Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Charleston, SC?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 57.6% of gross income.
Charleston rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Charleston, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Charleston
View full rent data for Charleston, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Charleston, SC?
Median rent in Charleston is $2,245 a month. A typical paramedic in South Carolina earns about $46,798 a year, which makes that rent 57.6% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Charleston?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in South Carolina (~$46,798/yr) supports up to $1,170 a month in rent. Charleston's current median rent is $2,245/mo, which is $1,075/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Charleston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a paramedic in South Carolina works roughly 99.8 hours a month to cover Charleston's median rent of $2,245.
Where is rent cheaper than Charleston for a paramedic?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Moncks Corner ($2,244/mo), Bluffton ($2,233/mo), Pawleys Island ($2,225/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.