Cost of Living in South Carolina
South Carolina has 23 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Greenville (cost index 96.6) to Anderson (96.6), with a statewide average around 96.6 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Conway at $866/mo and highest in Bluffton at $2,256/mo.
South Carolina at a Glance
Cities Tracked
23
with census data
Avg Cost Index
96.6
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,392
per month
Avg Household Income
$77,619
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenville | 96.6 |
| 2 | Anderson | 96.6 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenville | 96.6 |
| 2 | Anderson | 96.6 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in South Carolina
Healthcare & Hospitals in South Carolina
Neighborhoods in South Carolina
Jobs & Industries in South Carolina
South Carolina Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Charleston | 154,338 | — | $1,722 | $509,700 | $92,414 |
| Columbia | 139,643 | — | $1,204 | $264,300 | $55,529 |
| North Charleston | 119,913 | — | $1,430 | $302,200 | $62,956 |
| Mount Pleasant | 93,993 | — | $2,159 | $748,500 | $124,755 |
| Rock Hill | 75,259 | — | $1,341 | $295,100 | $68,771 |
| Greenville | 72,935 | 96.6 | $1,312 | $487,500 | $71,472 |
| Summerville | 51,654 | — | $1,526 | $328,100 | $81,046 |
| Goose Creek | 48,078 | — | $1,690 | $306,000 | $88,178 |
| Sumter | 43,053 | — | $1,076 | $199,100 | $55,592 |
| Greer | 41,536 | — | $1,198 | $288,700 | $82,626 |
| Florence | 40,408 | — | $992 | $211,400 | $56,143 |
| Spartanburg | 38,910 | — | $1,099 | $203,700 | $51,964 |
| Myrtle Beach | 38,371 | — | $1,261 | $388,800 | $60,394 |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,911 | — | $1,479 | $687,400 | $94,657 |
| Bluffton | 33,157 | — | $2,256 | $492,100 | $111,281 |
| Aiken | 32,521 | — | $1,180 | $286,800 | $76,746 |
| Fort Mill | 30,775 | — | $1,503 | $487,500 | $121,823 |
| Anderson | 30,051 | 96.6 | $975 | $218,200 | $46,933 |
| Conway | 27,263 | — | $866 | $260,900 | $56,650 |
| Mauldin | 27,055 | — | $1,490 | $258,500 | $82,331 |
| Carolina Forest | 26,263 | — | $1,668 | $336,800 | $74,436 |
| Simpsonville | 26,144 | — | $1,415 | $299,300 | $82,457 |
| North Augusta | 25,653 | — | $1,169 | $233,600 | $86,092 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare South Carolina cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how South Carolina cities stack up across the US. For example, Charleston vs Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in South Carolina
What is the cost of living in South Carolina?
The average cost of living index across cities in South Carolina is approximately 96.6 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,392/month and median household income averages around $77,619/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in South Carolina?
The most affordable cities in South Carolina by cost of living index are: 1. Greenville (index 96.6), 2. Anderson (index 96.6).
What is the median rent in South Carolina?
The average median gross rent across cities in South Carolina is approximately $1,392/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in South Carolina?
State income tax information for South Carolina is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in South Carolina?
Sales tax information for South Carolina is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to South Carolina?
South Carolina has a cost of living index of approximately 96.6 and average median rent around $1,392/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology