Barnwell, SC vs James Island, SC

The cost of living difference between Barnwell, SC and James Island, SC is dramatic. Barnwell is 48% cheaper than James Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Barnwell has a cost index of 61 while James Island sits at 116, 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 $1,443/month in James Island — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barnwell is more affordable at $137,300 median vs $454,200.

Median household income in Barnwell is $43,239 compared to $100,176 in James Island (-56.8%). While James Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Barnwell spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in James Island.

Climate-wise, James Island 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 44.3" in James Island.