James Island, SC vs Surfside Beach, SC

Surfside Beach is moderately more affordable than James Island, with a 10.6% lower cost of living index. James Island scores 116 compared to 105 for Surfside Beach, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of James Island can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in James Island is $1,443/month compared to $1,274/month in Surfside Beach — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Surfside Beach is more affordable at $412,100 median vs $454,200.

Median household income in James Island is $100,176 compared to $74,202 in Surfside Beach (+35%). 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 James Island spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.6% in Surfside Beach.

Climate-wise, James Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 64°F in Surfside Beach. Surfside Beach receives more rainfall at 48.5" per year compared to 44.3" in James Island.