Mortgage Rates in Charleston, SC: Today's Averages & 2026 Outlook
Charleston 30-year fixed rates are running around 6.89% — roughly 4 bps above the national average of 6.85%. Here's how Charleston rates stack up, what drives the metro spread, and the payment math on a typical Charleston home.
Today's Charleston rates by loan type
Estimates for Charleston based on the current national 30-year average of 6.85% plus the metro's typical spread (+4 bps). Live national rate sourced daily from Freddie Mac PMMS. Your actual quote will depend on your credit, down payment, and lender.
What drives Charleston mortgage rates
The national 30-year average sets the floor for every Charleston lender. But the $Charleston-North Charleston metro typically prices about 4 basis points above that national benchmark because of local dynamics.
Local market read. Transplant-heavy coastal market; jumbo share rising.
Who's lending. Regional banks and national non-banks split share.
Median deal size. A typical Charleston loan is around $435,000 on a $495,000 home. That sits well inside conforming loan limits, so most Charleston buyers get standard agency pricing.
What a typical Charleston payment looks like
| Line item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Median home price (Charleston-North Charleston) | $495,000 |
| Median loan amount | $435,000 |
| 30-yr rate (Charleston avg) | 6.89% |
| Monthly principal & interest | $2,862 |
| Est. full PITI (add ~30% for taxes/insurance) | ~$3,721 |
Directional math for Charleston in 2026. Add property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI (if less than 20% down), and any HOA dues for full monthly cost. Our mortgage calculator lets you plug in your exact numbers.
More on buying in South Carolina
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Charleston mortgage rates: FAQ
What is today's mortgage rate in Charleston, SC?▾
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in Charleston is around 6.89% — 15-year fixed near 6.14%, FHA around 6.64%, VA around 6.54%. That's roughly 4 bps above the current US 30-year average of 6.85%. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, loan type, and lender competition — always compare Loan Estimates from at least three lenders.
How do Charleston mortgage rates compare to the national average?▾
Charleston rates typically sit slightly above (about 4 bps higher than) the US 30-year average. The metro spread reflects local lender competition, loan mix, and property-tax/insurance dynamics specific to the Charleston-North Charleston area.
What's the median home price in Charleston?▾
The median home price in the Charleston-North Charleston metro is about $495,000, with a typical loan amount of $435,000 at conventional LTVs. At today's 6.89% rate, principal and interest on that loan runs about $2,862/month — before property taxes, homeowners insurance, and (if applicable) PMI or HOA dues.
Who are the top lenders in Charleston?▾
Regional banks and national non-banks split share. You'll get the best rate by comparing at least three Loan Estimates — a mix of a national non-bank lender, a local credit union, and (for higher loan amounts) a portfolio bank tends to reveal the best pricing for your specific profile.
Should I lock my rate now or wait in Charleston?▾
Transplant-heavy coastal market; jumbo share rising. On rate timing itself, no one can call the exact peak or trough — but if the payment on your target Charleston home works today at 6.89%, locking and refinancing later if rates fall is a well-worn playbook. Our Right-Time-to-Buy tool models the wait-vs-buy math for you.