Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Berkeley County, South Carolina
Berkeley County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,884 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,654 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,884
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 35% more than in South Carolina
- Typical rent
- $1,654
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 40% more than in South Carolina
- Wage needed
- $36.23
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $75,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in South Carolina
Only here
Renting in Berkeley County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Of the 46 counties in South Carolina, Berkeley County has the highest typical rent: $1,654.
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Berkeley County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,654, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Charleston County ($1,620).
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Berkeley County has the 4th highest typical household income of the 46 counties in South Carolina ($84,358).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Berkeley County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Berkeley County was $1,972 a month in September 2026: 4.1% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,661 | $31.94 | $66,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,731 | $33.29 | $69,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,884 | $36.23 | $75,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,336 | $44.92 | $93,440 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,687 | $51.67 | $107,480 |
HUD area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 14 ZIP codes in Berkeley County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,170 in 29436 to $2,400 in 29492. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,884).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 29410 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,500 | $1,560 | $1,700 | $2,110 | $2,420 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29431 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,190 | $1,240 | $1,350 | $1,670 | $1,930 |
| 29434 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,310 | $1,370 | $1,490 | $1,850 | $2,130 |
| 29436 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29436 | Orangeburg County, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29445 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,600 | $1,670 | $1,820 | $2,260 | $2,600 |
| 29450 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,890 | $1,960 | $2,140 | $2,650 | $3,050 |
| 29453 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,380 | $1,440 | $1,570 | $1,950 | $2,240 |
| 29461 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,380 | $1,440 | $1,570 | $1,950 | $2,240 |
| 29468 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29469 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,280 | $1,340 | $1,450 | $1,810 | $2,070 |
| 29479 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,020 | $1,060 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,770 |
| 29486 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $1,760 | $1,840 | $2,000 | $2,480 | $2,850 |
| 29492 | Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $2,120 | $2,200 | $2,400 | $2,980 | $3,420 |
- 29410 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,700$2,110
- 29431 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,350$1,670
- 29434 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,490$1,850
- 29436 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29436 · Orangeburg County, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29445 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,820$2,260
- 29450 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,140$2,650
- 29453 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,570$1,950
- 29461 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,570$1,950
- 29468 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29469 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,450$1,810
- 29479 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $1,170$1,460
- 29486 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,000$2,480
- 29492 · Charleston-North Charleston, SC $2,400$2,980
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Berkeley County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,850 households rent in Berkeley County
- Spend half or more of their income 27%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Berkeley 51%
- South Carolina 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Berkeley County
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkeley County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
1,738 homes in all; 1,668 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Waters at ST. James Tax credit (LIHTC) 1053 Saint James Ave, Summerville 29486 336 homes, 269 low-income · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 168 · 3 bd: 84 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Hallmark Timberlake Tax credit (LIHTC) 1000 Hallmark Dr, Goose Creek 29445 224 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 102 · 3 bd: 102 · In service since 2007
- Parkway Village Apartments HUD-assisted 775 Sangaree Pkwy, Summerville 29486 144 low-income homes · For families · (843) 871-7952
- Moncks Corner Public housing 103 Bradley Rd, Moncks Corner 29461 128 low-income homes · Run by SC Regional Housing Authority No 3 · Average payment: $418 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (803) 259-3588
- Northbridge Court Apartments HUD-assisted 110 Northbridge Ct, Moncks Corner 29461 101 homes, 100 low-income · For families · (843) 761-4266
- Shannon Park Apartments HUD-assisted 103 Central Ave, Goose Creek 29445 96 low-income homes · For families · (843) 797-5559
- Summerville Garden Tax credit (LIHTC) 340 Holiday Dr, Summerville 29483 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2013 · For older adults, families
- Seven Farms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Seven Farms Dr, Daniel Island 29492 71 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 41 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2006
- Wisteria Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Sangaree Pkwy, Summerville 29486 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2006
- Etiwan Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Central Ave, Goose Creek 29445 60 low-income homes · 2 bd: 42 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Collins Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 3501 Harbour Lake Dr, Goose Creek 29445 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2010
- Foxcreek Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 260 Ravenell Dr, Saint Stephen 29479 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For families · (843) 567-2909
- Merrimack Heights Tax credit (LIHTC) 3914 Merrimack BLVD, Moncks Corner 29461 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2013 · For families
- Crowfield Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 179 Turnmill Dr, Goose Creek 29445 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 14 · 3 bd: 28 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Seven Farms Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 305 Seven Farms Dr, Daniel Island 29492 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 42 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Barony Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 Stilesandwells Dr, Moncks Corner 29461 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2016 · For older adults
- Preserve at Collins Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 2055 Harbour Lake Dr, Goose Creek 29445 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Plantation Assoc of Moncks Corner Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 Old Hwy 52, Moncks Corner 29461 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1991
- Marion Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 Hotel St, Saint Stephen 29479 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
- Berkeley Place Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 249 Gulledge St, Moncks Corner 29461 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 2009
- Country Lane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 105 Debby Ln, Moncks Corner 29461 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2007
- Wedgewood Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Hood St, Saint Stephen 29479 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2007
- Bci Homes, Inc. HUD-assisted 461 Morrow St, Moncks Corner 29461 8 homes, 6 low-income · For people with disabilities · (843) 761-0377
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Berkeley County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Berkeley County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,700 | $41,150 | $65,800 |
| 2 people | $28,200 | $47,000 | $75,200 |
| 3 people | $31,750 | $52,900 | $84,600 |
| 4 people | $35,250 | $58,750 | $94,000 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $63,450 | $101,550 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $68,150 | $109,050 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $72,850 | $116,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $77,550 | $124,100 |
Area median income: $117,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,495 – $1,827
- 1 bedroom $1,558 – $1,904
- 2 bedrooms $1,696 – $2,072
- 3 bedrooms $2,102 – $2,570
- 4 bedrooms $2,418 – $2,956
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Berkeley County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in South Carolina
What South Carolina law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-410(a)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-710(B)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- S.C. Code §27-40-770(b)
- Only a court order can remove youS.C. Code §27-40-660
- Protection from retaliationS.C. Code §27-40-910(a)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Berkeley County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Origin SC
8084 Rivers Ave, North Charleston · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
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Credit.org - North Charleston, SC Branch
5935 Rivers Ave, North Charleston · 21 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
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Charleston Trident Urban League, Inc.
2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston · 28 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Berkeley County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in South Carolina, the average home bill was $150 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$3,768
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,884
- Security deposit
- $1,884
- Total
- $3,768
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Berkeley County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,661; 1 bedroom: $1,731; 2 bedrooms: $1,884; 3 bedrooms: $2,336; 4 bedrooms: $2,687. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Berkeley County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,884) without spending more than 30% of income takes $36.23 an hour full time, or $75,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Berkeley County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $58,750 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Berkeley County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,696 and $2,072 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Berkeley County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,170 in 29436 to $2,400 in 29492. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Berkeley County?
HUD lists 23 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkeley County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Berkeley County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Berkeley County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in South Carolina, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).