Mortgage Rates Charleston, South Carolina (SC) for April 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
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Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in Charleston, South Carolina include Wells FargoWells Fargo1305 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC, 29401A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 7.44% at 5.50%, State Department Federal Credit UnionState Department Federal Credit Union2009 Dyess Ave Bldg F, Charleston, SC, 29405 2502A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.53% at 5.75%, Carolinas Telco Federal Credit UnionCarolinas Telco Federal Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.17% at 5.75%, Carolina Trust Federal Credit UnionCarolina Trust Federal Credit UnionA5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 6.29% at 5.75%, and AllSouth Federal Credit UnionAllSouth Federal Credit UnionA+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.34% at 6.25%. Mortgage rates as of April 11, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Charleston has 3 local lenders in our database, with mortgage rates as low as 5.50% from Wells Fargo at 1305 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC, 29401. Use the tabs below to compare all available loan types and terms. Rates are continually updated — we recommend checking back frequently.
Mortgage Rates reflect actual verified offers from lenders actively lending to South Carolina borrowers. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, and daily market movements. Last Updated and Verified: April 11, 2026
Compare Mortgage Rates Today in Charleston, South Carolina & the Surrounding Area
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For a $300,000 mortgage loan for a term of:; Based on 80% loan to value and 1% Discount Points. Payment does not include taxes and insurance premiums. The actual payment amount will be greater. These payments are based on recent interest rates and can vary based on individual credit.; Adjustable interest rates and payments are subject to increase after the initial fixed-rate period (60 months for a 5/6 ARM, 7 years for a 7/6 ARM and 10 years for a 10/6 ARM).
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Charleston, SC Mortgage Rate Trends
Compare local Charleston, SC mortgage rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily mortgage rate averages tracked across our database of verified mortgage rate quotes — updated every evening.
South Carolina 30-year fixed mortgage rates currently average 6.136% based on data from institutions in our monitoring network.
South Carolina 15-year fixed mortgage rates currently average 5.728% based on data from institutions in our monitoring network.
South Carolina Mortgage Rate Forecast — Next 12 Months
Where are South Carolina mortgage rates headed through April 2027?
Based on Fed funds rate futures, 10-year Treasury path, and historical mortgage spread model. Not financial advice.
What Forecast Rates Mean for Charleston, SC Home Buyers
Monthly principal & interest payment on Charleston, SC median home of $509,700 (20% down, 30-year fixed, city-level Census ACS median)
| Scenario | Rate | Mo. Payment | vs. Today | % of Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today (SC avg) | 6.136% | $2,480 | — | 32.2% |
| 6-Month Forecast | 6.136% (5.79–6.44%) | $2,480 | +$0/mo | 32.2% |
| 12-Month Forecast | 5.736% (5.39–6.04%) | $2,376 | -$105/mo | 30.9% |
Income column = annual mortgage payment as % of Charleston, SC median household income ($92,414). Above 30% is generally considered cost-burdened.
MonitorBankRates Housing Affordability Index (MBR-HAI)
A daily-updated affordability score for Charleston, South Carolina — computed from local Census Bureau data combined with current South Carolina mortgage rates.
What This Score Means for Charleston, South Carolina Home Buyers
With a score of 98.5, Charleston, South Carolina is 2.1 points less affordable than the national average of 100.6. The area’s median home value of $509,700 against a median household income of $92,414 produces a price-to-income ratio of 5.5x — modestly above the national norm. At the current South Carolina mortgage rate of 6.136%, a buyer purchasing the median-priced home with 20% down would carry a monthly payment of approximately $2,480 in principal and interest.
Beyond the mortgage payment, the median total monthly owner cost in this area is $1,796 — covering mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. Property taxes alone average $191/month ($2,290/year). These ongoing costs factor directly into the MBR-HAI alongside the mortgage rate and income data.
Score computed from local U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024) and CPS/HVS Q4 2025 data, combined with the current South Carolina live mortgage rate. Score of 100 = national average at 6.5% reference rate. Full methodology →
How Mortgage Rates Impact Home Affordability in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina Housing Market Overview
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median owner-occupied home value in Charleston, South Carolina is approximately $509,700. The 2026 FHFA conforming loan limit for this area is $832,750 — meaning most buyers financing at 80% LTV will qualify for conforming loan pricing, making rate comparison across local lenders especially valuable.
Charleston, South Carolina Homeownership Rate
With a homeownership rate of 76.9% — well above the national average of 65.7% — Charleston, South Carolina has a strong ownership culture, making competitive mortgage rates especially important for buyers entering the market. The homeowner vacancy rate of 0.4% signals a tight market with limited available inventory — making it critical to secure the best possible rate quickly when a suitable property becomes available.
Monthly Payment Estimates for Charleston, South Carolina Buyers
Even a small difference in your interest rate can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. The table below shows monthly principal and interest payments on a $410,000 mortgage — based on a 20% down payment on the Charleston, South Carolina median home value.
| Interest Rate | Loan Term | Monthly Payment | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.636% | 30-year fixed | $2,363 | $440,694 |
| 6.136% Current Avg | 30-year fixed | $2,494 | $487,883 |
| 6.636% | 30-year fixed | $2,628 | $536,173 |
| 5.728% | 15-year fixed | $3,400 | $201,974 |
A 0.500% rate increase on a $410,000 loan adds roughly $134 per month and over $48,289 in total interest over a 30-year term. That’s why comparing verified, current rates from multiple lenders — using the rate table above — is one of the most impactful financial decisions a Charleston, South Carolina buyer can make.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Monthly payments shown are principal & interest only — taxes, insurance, and PMI not included.
Charleston, South Carolina Income & Housing Affordability
At a price-to-income ratio of 5.5x, Charleston, South Carolina is a moderately expensive housing market. That ratio — median home value divided by median household income — is a standard benchmark used by housing economists to gauge how accessible homeownership is relative to local earnings. The national baseline is approximately 3.8x.
What This Means for Charleston, South Carolina Buyers
With a median household income of $92,414 per year in Charleston, South Carolina ($7,701/month) and a median home value of approximately $509,700, a buyer financing at 80% LTV at the current average rate would commit roughly 32.4% of gross monthly income to principal and interest alone. That places most buyers above the 30% threshold housing economists use to define "cost burdened" — before taxes, insurance, HOA fees, or PMI are factored in.
Compared to the South Carolina statewide price-to-income ratio of 3.7x, Charleston is notably less affordable relative to local incomes than the state average — buyers here face steeper hurdles to homeownership even compared to other South Carolina markets. In either case, even a 0.25% improvement in your mortgage rate meaningfully reduces both the income needed to qualify and the total cost over the loan term.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau. Monthly payment estimate assumes 80% LTV at current average rate; principal and interest only.
Full Cost of Homeownership in Charleston, South Carolina
A mortgage payment is just the starting point. Property taxes, insurance, and utilities add hundreds of dollars per month to the true cost of owning a home in Charleston, South Carolina. Understanding the full picture before you buy is the difference between a home you can afford and one that stretches you thin.
Owner vs. Renter Costs
In Charleston, South Carolina, the median homeowner with a mortgage pays approximately $1,796/month in total housing costs — covering the mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. The median renter pays $1,722/month including utilities. The $74/month difference between owning and renting is relatively narrow — worth factoring carefully into a rent vs. buy analysis given that owners also build equity over time. Property taxes alone account for $191/month of the ownership cost, a figure that can vary dramatically by location and is often underestimated by first-time buyers.
Housing Cost Burden
The federal standard defines “cost burdened” as spending more than 30% of gross household income on housing. “Severely cost burdened” means spending 50% or more. Both thresholds leave little room for savings, emergencies, or other financial goals.
In Charleston, South Carolina, 26.7% of homeowners with mortgages are cost burdened and 51.8% of renters are cost burdened. Renters face significantly higher burden rates than owners — a pattern that often reflects lower renter incomes rather than lower rental costs, and one that can make the path from renting to owning financially difficult even when mortgage payments might be affordable. With an owner burden rate of 26.7% near the national average of 28.0%, this market reflects typical affordability conditions for mortgage holders.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Monthly owner costs include mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and utilities. Property taxes reflect median annual taxes for mortgage holders. Rent reflects median gross rent including utilities. Cost burden figures reflect households spending 30%+ of gross income on housing.
Run the Numbers on Your Charleston, South Carolina Home Loan
Rates are only part of the equation. Use these calculators to translate current Charleston, South Carolina mortgage rates into real numbers for your specific situation — before you talk to a lender.
Enter your loan amount, interest rate, and term length to see your estimated monthly principal and interest payment. Adjust any variable to model different scenarios — a larger down payment, a shorter term, or a rate a quarter-point lower than what you were quoted.
CalculateTell us your gross income, monthly debt obligations, and how much you have for a down payment. We’ll show you the home price range you’re likely to qualify for at current Charleston, South Carolina rates — so you can shop with a realistic number in mind rather than discovering your ceiling after you’ve fallen in love with a property.
CalculateIf you already own a home, enter your current rate, remaining loan balance, and the rate you’ve been quoted to refinance. The calculator shows your new monthly payment, how much you’d save each month, and the break-even point — the number of months it takes for your savings to cover the closing costs of refinancing.
CalculateBuying isn’t always the better financial decision, and renting isn’t always throwing money away. This calculator weighs the full cost of each path — mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance against rent increases and the opportunity cost of a down payment — to show which option builds more wealth over your intended time horizon in Charleston, South Carolina.
CalculateTypes of Mortgages Available in Charleston, South Carolina
Not every loan program is right for every buyer in Charleston, South Carolina. Rates, down payment requirements, eligibility rules, and long-term costs vary significantly across products — and the right choice depends on your credit profile, how long you plan to stay, and whether you qualify for any government-backed programs.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage locks your interest rate in for the entire loan term — your principal and interest payment on day one is identical to payment 360. That predictability is valuable for long-term financial planning, especially in markets where housing costs represent a large share of household income.
Available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year terms. The 30-year minimizes monthly payments; the 15-year cuts total interest paid dramatically but requires a higher monthly commitment. The payment comparison table above shows exactly how those trade-offs look at today’s Charleston, South Carolina rate levels.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
An ARM offers a fixed introductory rate for an initial period — commonly 5, 7, or 10 years — after which the rate adjusts periodically based on a market index. The starting rate is typically lower than a comparable fixed-rate loan, which reduces your monthly payment during the initial window.
ARMs work best when you have a defined exit timeline: if you plan to sell or refinance before the fixed period ends, you capture the lower rate without exposure to future adjustments. Rate caps govern how much the rate can move at each adjustment and in total, so read those terms closely before committing.
FHA Loan
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are built for buyers who don’t yet meet conventional loan standards. You can qualify with a credit score of 580 and just 3.5% down — and some lenders will consider scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment.
The cost of that lower barrier is mortgage insurance. FHA loans carry an upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount (which can be rolled in) plus an annual MIP of 0.15%–0.75% depending on your term and LTV. For buyers who would otherwise wait years to save a larger down payment — given ongoing home price trends in Charleston, South Carolina — FHA is often the faster path to ownership.
VA Loan
Available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and qualifying surviving spouses, VA loans are among the most favorable mortgage programs available anywhere. No down payment is required, there is no monthly mortgage insurance, and rates are generally competitive with — and often better than — conventional loan rates.
A one-time funding fee applies — 2.15% of the loan for first-time VA borrowers with no down payment — which can be financed into the loan. In Charleston, South Carolina, where home prices require substantial savings for a conventional down payment, the zero-down VA benefit is an enormous advantage for those who qualify.
Jumbo Loan
The 2026 FHFA conforming loan limit for Charleston, South Carolina is $832,750. Mortgages above that amount are classified as jumbo loans and are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which means lenders carry the full risk — and price that risk accordingly.
Jumbo underwriting is stricter: lenders typically require a credit score of 700 or higher, substantial cash reserves, thorough income documentation, and a down payment of at least 10–20%. Rates may run slightly above conforming levels, though the gap narrows in competitive lending environments.
Methodology & Data Sources
Direct-Sourced & Verified Mortgage Rate Data: We aggregate mortgage and refinance rates for Charleston, South Carolina directly from the official websites of local lenders, credit unions, and national mortgage originators using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. Every rate displayed is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available home loan products in Charleston, South Carolina. We feature a comprehensive mix of licensed NMLS financial institutions — from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to large national originators available to borrowers in SC.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update mortgage rates daily. Because rates and APRs can fluctuate rapidly based on bond markets and economic conditions, every loan product features its own “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Lender Health & Safety Grades: Beyond tracking rates, MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective regulatory data — including the Texas Ratio — ensuring you compare rates from secure, reliable lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mortgage Rates in Charleston, South Carolina
How does my credit score affect my rate in South Carolina?
What is a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage?
What are closing costs in South Carolina?
Should I lock my mortgage rate?
What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
What is a Jumbo Loan in Charleston, South Carolina?
Do I need 20% down to buy a house in South Carolina?
What is the difference between Interest Rate and APR?
How do I find the best lender in Charleston, South Carolina?
What is the median home value in Charleston, South Carolina?
What is the homeownership rate in Charleston, South Carolina?
What is the conforming loan limit in Charleston, South Carolina?
What is the median monthly cost of homeownership in Charleston, South Carolina?
What are the median property taxes in Charleston, South Carolina?
What is the median rent in Charleston, South Carolina?
What percentage of homeowners are cost burdened in Charleston, South Carolina?
What percentage of renters are cost burdened in Charleston, South Carolina?
What are the best Mortgage rates in Charleston, South Carolina?
- Wells Fargo: 5.50% (30-Year Fixed-Rate VA)
- State Department Federal Credit Union: 5.75% (Super Conforming 30 Year Fixed)
- Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union: 5.75% (30-Year Fixed)
- Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union: 5.75% (30-year Fixed)
- AllSouth Federal Credit Union: 6.25% (30 Year Fixed)
