Can A Physical Therapist Afford Rent in Charleston, SC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.7% of gross income.
Charleston rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a physical therapist salary
Physical therapist pay covers comfortable rent across most US metros. At the national-average PT salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,493 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities tracked here.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Charleston, which improves the affordability math on a physical therapist salary:
Compare with full rent data for Charleston
View full rent data for Charleston, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a physical therapist afford rent in Charleston, SC?
Median rent in Charleston is $2,245 a month. A typical physical therapist in South Carolina earns about $87,745 a year, which makes that rent 30.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a physical therapist afford in Charleston?
Using the 30% rule, a physical therapist salary in South Carolina (~$87,745/yr) supports up to $2,194 a month in rent. Charleston's current median rent is $2,245/mo, which is $51/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a physical therapist work to cover rent in Charleston?
At an hourly equivalent of about $42 an hour, a physical therapist in South Carolina works roughly 53.2 hours a month to cover Charleston's median rent of $2,245.
Where is rent cheaper than Charleston for a physical therapist?
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 physical therapist salary.