Cost of Living in South Carolina
South Carolina has 22 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Anderson (cost index 93.8) to Columbia (102.4), with a statewide average around 97.0 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Conway at $881/mo and highest in Bluffton at $2,187/mo.
South Carolina at a Glance
Cities Tracked
22
with census data
Avg Cost Index
97.0
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,341
per month
Avg Household Income
$75,144
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 93.8 | $965 |
| Greenville | 94.9 | $1,248 |
| Columbia | 102.4 | $1,158 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 102.4 | $1,158 |
| Greenville | 94.9 | $1,248 |
| Anderson | 93.8 | $965 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in South Carolina
State Income Tax
6.40%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in South Carolina
South Carolina Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Charleston | 152,014 | — | $1,632 | $469,100 | $90,038 |
| Columbia | 138,019 | 102.4 | $1,158 | $243,500 | $55,653 |
| North Charleston | 117,460 | — | $1,364 | $267,700 | $62,789 |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | — | $2,026 | $667,100 | $121,364 |
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | — | $1,279 | $267,400 | $64,770 |
| Greenville | 71,755 | 94.9 | $1,248 | $453,300 | $68,460 |
| Summerville | 51,262 | — | $1,414 | $295,700 | $78,621 |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | — | $1,611 | $279,500 | $87,437 |
| Sumter | 43,065 | — | $1,055 | $188,400 | $53,071 |
| Florence | 40,205 | — | $922 | $189,800 | $56,433 |
| Greer | 39,191 | — | $1,144 | $264,300 | $80,030 |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | — | $1,043 | $185,300 | $51,193 |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | — | $1,518 | $652,100 | $96,715 |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | — | $1,132 | $347,700 | $53,679 |
| Aiken | 32,334 | — | $1,199 | $261,800 | $69,837 |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | — | $2,187 | $444,500 | $105,463 |
| Anderson | 29,563 | 93.8 | $965 | $199,600 | $44,321 |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | — | $1,437 | $457,000 | $127,537 |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | — | $1,567 | $298,700 | $70,647 |
| Conway | 26,082 | — | $881 | $236,300 | $54,841 |
| Mauldin | 25,985 | — | $1,401 | $242,100 | $81,027 |
| Simpsonville | 25,125 | — | $1,322 | $267,500 | $79,233 |
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 97.0 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,341/month and median household income averages around $75,144/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. Anderson (index 93.8), 2. Greenville (index 94.9), 3. Columbia (index 102.4).
What is the median rent in South Carolina?
The average median gross rent across cities in South Carolina is approximately $1,341/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?
South Carolina's top marginal state income tax rate is 6.40%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in South Carolina?
South Carolina's statewide sales tax rate is 6.00%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to South Carolina?
South Carolina has a cost of living index of approximately 97.0 and average median rent around $1,341/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: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology