Rent, home prices, and cost of living in South Carolina
Across the 101 South Carolina cities with committed home, rent, and income data, the population-weighted cost index is 107, 7% above the U.S. baseline of 100. In that sample, the median city home value is $281,088, the median city monthly rent is $1,430, and the median city household income is $65,786.
Cross-city statistics over the 101 South Carolina cities with committed home, rent, and income data; not a statewide household median. Home value and rent: Zillow ZHVI/ZORI Aug 2026 where matched, otherwise Census ACS 2024 place estimates. Household income: Census ACS 2024 place estimates. Cost index: population-weighted across the sample from those housing inputs plus BEA 2024 regional price parities.
Major cities in South Carolina
Tax context: top income-tax rate 6%, estimated combined sales tax 7.49%, property-tax proxy 0.49%. Use the dedicated tax tool for an income scenario.
Data boundary: city housing and income use committed Zillow/Census inputs; non-housing costs use BEA regional proxies; mortgage estimates use the committed FRED benchmark. Tax values are state context, not an individual filing or parcel bill. The state-level effective owner-occupied property-tax proxy is from the Tax Foundation 2026 edition, based on 2024 ACS.
Frequently asked questions about South Carolina
South Carolina housing questions
What is the most affordable city to live in South Carolina?+
Among the cities we track, Bennettsville stands out as the most affordable option in South Carolina. The median home value there is $117,016, and monthly rent typically runs around $671. The local median household income is $37,115, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in South Carolina?+
Mount Pleasant is currently the priciest market in SC. Homes there are valued at a median of $874,006, and renters can expect to pay around $2,446/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $124,755 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in South Carolina?+
South Carolina uses an approximate state-income-tax planning model; 6% is top marginal-rate context. The state-level effective owner-occupied property-tax proxy is 0.49% and is not an individual bill. State plus average local sales-tax context is 7.49%.
How much does housing vary across South Carolina?+
There's a huge range. In Bennettsville, the median home costs around $117,016. In Mount Pleasant, that number jumps to $874,006 — roughly 6x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $671/month vs. $2,446/month. Where you choose to settle within SC can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is South Carolina a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. South Carolina has a wide range of living costs depending on the city. Typical home values range from around $117,016 in lower-cost tracked places to $874,006 in higher-cost tracked places. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, state-level tax proxies, and everyday cost pressure across locations in SC.