Tega Cay is 14% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $141,037 and a population of 13,267.
Best Places to Live in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina has a cost of living index of 82 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $58,750 and a population of 2,611,112. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in South Carolina.
North Augusta is 17% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $90,132 and a population of 24,928.
Fort Mill is 15% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $127,537 and a population of 28,281.
Irmo is 9% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $85,137 and a population of 11,799.
Ladson is 0% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $83,031 and a population of 16,261.
Mauldin is 5% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $81,027 and a population of 25,985.
Greer is 11% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $80,030 and a population of 39,191.
Moncks Corner is 2% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $91,516 and a population of 14,362.
Lexington is 4% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $83,263 and a population of 24,132.
Goose Creek is 7% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $87,437 and a population of 46,964.
Boiling Springs is 11% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $79,798 and a population of 12,609.
Simpsonville is 5% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $79,233 and a population of 25,125.
Oak Grove is 21% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $75,506 and a population of 12,031.
Powdersville is 4% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $88,125 and a population of 11,321.
Summerville is 3% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $78,621 and a population of 51,262.
How We Rank the Best Places to Live
Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).
Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.