Charleston Remains One of the Least Expensive Cities for Business

That's according to a national survey from the accounting company KPMG LLP, which reported the costs of operating in the area are 4.7 percent below the national average.
When KPMG last conducted the survey two years ago, Charleston costs came in 5.3 percent below the national average.
The researchers analyzed cost factors including labor, real estate, utilities, transportation and income taxes. They also weighed "non cost" factors such as labor availability, economic conditions, infrastructure, the regulatory environment, cost of living and quality of life.
Charleston features low transportation, electricity and natural gas costs, as well as the city's tax rate and lease costs, said Hartley Powell, head of KPMG's Strategic Relocation and Expansion Services practice, which advises businesses on where to locate.
The city also still ranks among the country's least expensive for plants and offices, according to a national survey of business expenses.
Charleston costs were most competitive for businesses in the research and development and back-office/call center sectors, according to the study.
"Your labor costs are very reasonable," Powell said. "But they're a key driver, they're one of those very important recurring costs, and if they were lower, you'd be more competitive."
Charleston ranked third least expensive when grouped among KPMG's Northeast region.