Barnwell, SC vs Beaufort, SC

The cost of living difference between Barnwell, SC and Beaufort, SC is dramatic. Barnwell is 33.7% cheaper than Beaufort, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barnwell has a cost index of 61 while Beaufort sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Barnwell is $545/month compared to $1,061/month in Beaufort — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barnwell is more affordable at $137,300 median vs $310,400.

Median household income in Barnwell is $43,239 compared to $59,454 in Beaufort (-27.3%). The higher salaries in Beaufort partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Barnwell spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 21.4% in Beaufort.

Climate-wise, Beaufort is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 63.9°F in Barnwell. Barnwell receives more rainfall at 46.2" per year compared to 45" in Beaufort.