Cost of Living in South Carolina
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 472 cities in SC. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in South Carolina is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in South Carolina, with comparisons to national averages.
South Carolina's average home value of $177,771 is 27% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $51,396, and average monthly rent is $716.
Most Affordable Cities in South Carolina
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University | $0 | $0/mo | $0 | 6,434 |
| 2 | Bennettsville | $82,700 | $650/mo | $40,889 | 6,798 |
| 3 | Homeland Park | $101,400 | $809/mo | $38,079 | 6,944 |
| 4 | Union | $103,400 | $789/mo | $34,112 | 8,047 |
| 5 | Chester | $106,400 | $905/mo | $41,231 | 5,241 |
| 6 | Dillon | $110,000 | $624/mo | $34,964 | 6,406 |
| 7 | Cheraw | $113,400 | $806/mo | $27,275 | 5,024 |
| 8 | Marion | $119,400 | $624/mo | $27,767 | 6,338 |
| 9 | Belvedere | $120,400 | $952/mo | $57,933 | 5,458 |
| 10 | Parker | $121,800 | $1,066/mo | $38,607 | 12,564 |
| 11 | Greenwood | $123,400 | $826/mo | $40,253 | 22,527 |
| 12 | Newberry | $124,600 | $837/mo | $47,885 | 10,733 |
| 13 | Woodfield | $128,600 | $1,190/mo | $38,394 | 9,901 |
| 14 | Lake City | $133,700 | $696/mo | $35,000 | 6,032 |
| 15 | Laurens | $139,800 | $795/mo | $55,207 | 9,307 |
Most Expensive Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Pleasant | $667,100 | $2,026/mo | $121,364 | 92,662 |
| 2 | Hilton Head Island | $652,100 | $1,518/mo | $96,715 | 37,805 |
| 3 | Tega Cay | $494,500 | $1,307/mo | $141,037 | 13,267 |
| 4 | Charleston | $469,100 | $1,632/mo | $90,038 | 152,014 |
| 5 | Hardeeville | $467,500 | $1,384/mo | $78,233 | 9,293 |
| 6 | Lake Wylie | $464,200 | $1,517/mo | $112,113 | 15,177 |
| 7 | Fort Mill | $457,000 | $1,437/mo | $127,537 | 28,281 |
| 8 | James Island | $454,200 | $1,443/mo | $100,176 | 11,738 |
| 9 | Greenville | $453,300 | $1,248/mo | $68,460 | 71,755 |
| 10 | Hollywood | $450,400 | $1,142/mo | $77,415 | 5,330 |
Highest Income Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tega Cay | $141,037 | $494,500 | 13,267 |
| 2 | Five Forks | $140,668 | $424,600 | 19,093 |
| 3 | Fort Mill | $127,537 | $457,000 | 28,281 |
| 4 | Mount Pleasant | $121,364 | $667,100 | 92,662 |
| 5 | Lake Murray of Richland | $118,435 | $378,900 | 7,057 |
| 6 | Lake Wylie | $112,113 | $464,200 | 15,177 |
| 7 | Blythewood | $105,583 | $368,300 | 5,309 |
| 8 | Bluffton | $105,463 | $444,500 | 31,323 |
| 9 | James Island | $100,176 | $454,200 | 11,738 |
| 10 | Hilton Head Island | $96,715 | $652,100 | 37,805 |
Cost of Living FAQ — South Carolina
What is the average cost of living in South Carolina?
The average median home value across South Carolina cities is $177,771, with average rent of $716/month. The average median household income is $51,396.
What are the cheapest cities in South Carolina?
The most affordable cities in South Carolina by home value include Clemson University ($0), Bennettsville ($82,700), Homeland Park ($101,400).
What is the most expensive city in South Carolina?
The most expensive city in South Carolina is Mount Pleasant with a median home value of $667,100.
How does South Carolina compare to the national average?
South Carolina's average home value of $177,771 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $716/month is below the US average of $1,163.