Charleston, United States 🇺🇸
#1272
32.788436, -79.93993
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Charleston is a historic port city located on the east coast of the United States, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds are around 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and online options like TransferWise. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and historical inns. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted throughout the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available widely via platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include HI Charleston Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Harbor Entrepreneur Center offers a vibrant coworking environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | City Lights Coffee has a comfortable atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com has various professional networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Charleston International Meetup group organizes regular events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft operate widely in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Charleston Bike Share provides bicycles for rental around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Folly Beach is approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | American Airlines provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Airlines serves major international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include I-26 and US-17. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Amtrak station located downtown provides access to rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority offers various passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Greyhound and local bus services are available for regional travels. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is the leading health facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Charleston Power Yoga offers a range of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Planet Fitness are popular options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats include Wash Day Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are widely used. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | She-Crab Soup is a must-try local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-Based Charleston offers several vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar Bakeshop is known for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Charleston City Market features local food vendors. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart caters grocery delivery to the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | King Street is the main nightlife hub. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Westbrook Brewing Co. is popular for craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Market Pavilion Rooftop offers a fantastic wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Royal American features local food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Louis's (Italian) is a well-known international restaurant. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Battery and Waterfront Park are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gibbes Museum of Art showcases local and American art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Sumter National Monument is a key historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Michael's Church is a notable historic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Spoleto Festival USA is a major cultural festival held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The French Quarter features historic homes and galleries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Dock Street Theatre is a historic venue for live performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Charleston City Market is a vibrant place to explore local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Music Farm hosts various concerts and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals in the upper King Street area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Charleston Cooks! Culinary School offers classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Robert Lange Studios showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Aiken-Rhett House is a prime example of historical architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gullah culture is celebrated and preserved in the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Angel Oak Tree is a beautiful natural site just outside the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Congaree National Park is about a 45-minute drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The West Ashley Greenway offers scenic paths for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Battery provides stunning views of the Charleston harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cumberland Island is great for wildlife and birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Folly Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | UPS and FedEx have multiple drop-off locations. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Best Buy offers tech repair and support services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Charleston Table Tennis Club hosts regular games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultural Crossroads offers a variety of language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Charleston County Public Library system has several branches. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The City of Charleston Recreation Department organizes community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Lazerscape offers gaming and VR experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | South Carolina does not have traditional casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 21%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Max 15% withholding tax applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on US-sourced income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top federal rate is 37%; states may apply their own rates. |
| 🧾 VAT | South Carolina has a sales tax of 6%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, US regulations govern taxation of foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes based on assessed property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific property transaction tax, but sales tax may apply. |