Beaufort, SC vs Bluffton, SC

The cost of living difference between Beaufort, SC and Bluffton, SC is dramatic. Beaufort is 33.1% cheaper than Bluffton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Beaufort has a cost index of 91 while Bluffton sits at 136, 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 Beaufort is $1,061/month compared to $2,187/month in Bluffton — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Beaufort is more affordable at $310,400 median vs $444,500.

Median household income in Beaufort is $59,454 compared to $105,463 in Bluffton (-43.6%). While Bluffton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Beaufort spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 24.9% in Bluffton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.2°F vs 67.5°F). Bluffton receives more rainfall at 48.1" per year compared to 45" in Beaufort.