Charleston's Bills Will Make You Rethink Your Life
so i moved to charleston thinking "oh, it's just another southern city, how bad can the bills be?" spoiler: they're sneaky. like that cousin who borrows $20 and never pays it back. i'm a freelance photographer, so my budget's already tight, and i didn't expect the utilities to hit me like a rogue wave at folly beach.
first off, rent in downtown charleston? yeah, it's not cheap. you're looking at around $1,800 for a one-bedroom, and that's before you even flip a light switch. electricity here runs about $150/month in summer-thanks, humidity-and if you've got central air, you're basically funding the power company's vacation home. water's another $40-$60, and don't get me started on internet; $70 for something that drops every time it drizzles.
now, i know what you're thinking: "but what about the charm?" sure, the cobblestone streets and pastel houses are cute, but they don't pay your gas bill. and speaking of gas, that's another $30-$50 if you cook or like hot showers (i do both). trash pickup? included in your water bill, which is a small mercy.
i asked a local barista-who looked like she hadn't slept since the last hurricane-what she thought. she said, "everyone here has three side hustles and a cousin with a spare room." solid advice, honestly. i've started charging my camera batteries at coffee shops just to save a few bucks on electricity.
weather-wise, it's hot as hell from may to october. like, wear all black and still sweat through your shirt hot. winters are mild, but the humidity never really leaves. it's like living in someone's mouth.
if you're thinking of moving here, maybe don't live downtown unless you're made of money or have a trust fund. west ashley and james island are cheaper and still close enough to enjoy the city. and for the love of sweet tea, budget for your AC bill before you sign a lease.
want more honest takes? check out this reddit thread on charleston rent or see what yelp users say about local utilities. and if you're really brave, tripadvisor's got the lowdown on living costs.
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