Cash Flow Investing in Charleston, SC
Data-driven cash flow analysis for Charleston, SC — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.
Last updated: May 2026
Score Breakdown
Key Metrics for Cash Flow
Cap Rate
5.0%
Moderate
Rent-to-Price
0.45%
Below 1% rule
Vacancy Rate
14.9%
Elevated
Property Tax
0.57%
Very low
Cash Flow Investment Thesis
Charleston combines tourism, military, and tech-sector employment with low property taxes. The STR market downtown is lucrative but regulated — long-term rentals in North Charleston offer better cap rates.
How Charleston Compares
| Rank | City | Cash Flow Score | Cap Rate | Median Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #46 | Savannah, GA | 3.2 | 5.9% | $275,000 |
| #47 | Los Angeles, CA | 3.2 | 3.2% | $900,000 |
| #48 | Orlando, FL | 3.0 | 5.3% | $355,000 |
| #49 | Charleston, SC | 3.0 | 5.0% | $385,000 |
| #50 | San Francisco, CA | 1.7 | 2.8% | $1,200,000 |
Showing markets ranked near Charleston for this strategy.
Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return
Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cash flow score for Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC scores 3.0 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #49 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.
Is Charleston a good city for cash flow investing?
Charleston, SC ranks #49 for cash flow investing with a score of 3.0/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.
What is the average cap rate in Charleston?
The average cap rate in Charleston, SC is 5.0%. The median home price is $385,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,750, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%.
What are the property taxes in Charleston?
The effective property tax rate in Charleston, SC is 0.57%. On a $385,000 property, that translates to approximately $2,194 per year in property taxes.
How does Charleston compare to other cash flow markets?
Among our 52 tracked markets, Charleston, SC ranks #49 for cash flow investing. Other markets may be stronger for this particular strategy, though it may excel in different approaches.
Does Charleston meet the 1% rule?
Charleston, SC has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.45%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.
Run Your Own Numbers for Charleston
Use our free calculators pre-filled with Charleston, SC market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.
Charleston by Strategy
Market Data
Find Financing
Compare lenders for your Charleston investment
Other Strategy Rankings
Related Guides
Get Smarter Deal Analysis
Weekly insights on cap rates, cash flow, and strategies used by experienced investors. Free, no spam.