While Charleston, SC living may not come cheap, it's still less expensive than many U.S. cities, a recent survey found.
The metro Charleston, SC cost-of-living index for the third quarter was 99, or 1 percent below the national average of 100, as rated by ACCRA: The Council for Community and Economic Research.
The Arlington, Va.-based group compiles the index quarterly.
The study found Charleston's affordability factor is on par with or less than many Southeastern cities, including Asheville (with a cost of living index of 99.9); Raleigh (99); Richmond (106.2); and Savannah (101.9).
It's well behind the pricey Washington, D.C., area, with an index of 140.3.
The index for 289 participating urban areas is based on six components: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care and selected goods and services. It includes more than 50,000 prices covering almost 60 different items. Prices are collected for the region quarterly by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce's Center for Business Research.
While the region's third-quarter cost of living was below the national average in most categories, it was above average for certain staples. For instance, bread was $1.24 vs. compared with the national average of $1.18; a dozen eggs, $1.11 vs. $1; ground beef, $3.19 vs. $2.53; and Kleenex, $2.11 vs. $1.90.
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