Cost of Living in South Carolina
416 cities | Population: 2,611,112
Cost of Living in South Carolina: Overview
South Carolina has a cost of living index of 82, making it 18% less expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $58,750 (22% below the US median of $75,149). Across 416 cities tracked in South Carolina, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.
Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across South Carolina cities is $984/mo (25% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $206,156 (32% below the national figure of $304,900). There is a 92-point spread between the most affordable city, Bennettsville (index 59), and the most expensive, Mount Pleasant (index 152) — a large gap that shows significant regional cost differences.
When evaluating South Carolina, it helps to look beyond the state average. Individual city costs can deviate significantly — use the map and rankings below to compare specific locations.
The largest cities in South Carolina by population are Charleston (index 123, pop. 152,014), Columbia (index 88, pop. 138,019), North Charleston (index 99, pop. 117,460), Mount Pleasant (index 152, pop. 92,662), and Rock Hill (index 95, pop. 74,769). All of these major cities are above the state average, a pattern common in states where metro areas drive up costs relative to rural communities.
Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.
Cost of Living Map
Top 200 cities by population. Click a marker for details.
Most Expensive in South Carolina
Cheapest in South Carolina
All Cities in South Carolina (416)
| City | Population | Cost Index | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 152,014 | 123 | $90,038 |
| Columbia | 138,019 | 88 | $55,653 |
| North Charleston | 117,460 | 99 | $62,789 |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | 152 | $121,364 |
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | 95 | $64,770 |
| Greenville | 71,755 | 108 | $68,460 |
| Summerville | 51,262 | 103 | $78,621 |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | 107 | $87,437 |
| Sumter | 43,065 | 78 | $53,071 |
| Florence | 40,205 | 74 | $56,433 |
| Greer | 39,191 | 89 | $80,030 |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | 79 | $51,193 |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | 133 | $96,715 |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | 96 | $53,679 |
| Aiken | 32,334 | 90 | $69,837 |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | 136 | $105,463 |
| Anderson | 29,563 | 78 | $44,321 |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | 115 | $127,537 |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | 105 | $70,647 |
| Conway | 26,082 | 79 | $54,841 |
| Mauldin | 25,985 | 95 | $81,027 |
| Simpsonville | 25,125 | 95 | $79,233 |
| North Augusta | 24,928 | 83 | $90,132 |
| Socastee | 24,629 | 88 | $59,826 |
| Lexington | 24,132 | 96 | $83,263 |
| Easley | 23,942 | 80 | $65,330 |
| Taylors | 23,686 | 91 | $71,747 |
| Greenwood | 22,527 | 68 | $40,253 |
| Hanahan | 21,119 | 103 | $84,061 |
| St. Andrews | 20,953 | 77 | $45,321 |
| Wade Hampton | 20,703 | 89 | $75,522 |
| North Myrtle Beach | 19,343 | 99 | $72,111 |
| Five Forks | 19,093 | 132 | $140,668 |
| Clemson | 17,759 | 92 | $49,713 |
| West Columbia | 17,723 | 81 | $54,152 |
| Berea | 16,642 | 79 | $48,104 |
| Red Hill | 16,480 | 84 | $62,132 |
| Ladson | 16,261 | 100 | $83,031 |
| Seven Oaks | 15,990 | 85 | $64,003 |
| Dentsville | 15,396 | 80 | $44,029 |
| Lake Wylie | 15,177 | 118 | $112,113 |
| Gantt | 15,057 | 76 | $47,265 |
| Port Royal | 15,047 | 107 | $70,330 |
| Moncks Corner | 14,362 | 98 | $91,516 |
| Cayce | 13,718 | 87 | $58,095 |
| Beaufort | 13,660 | 91 | $59,454 |
| Tega Cay | 13,267 | 114 | $141,037 |
| Orangeburg | 13,189 | 68 | $33,066 |
| Gaffney | 12,612 | 69 | $41,214 |
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | 89 | $79,798 |
| Parker | 12,564 | 75 | $38,607 |
| Oak Grove | 12,031 | 79 | $75,506 |
| Irmo | 11,799 | 91 | $85,137 |
| James Island | 11,738 | 116 | $100,176 |
| Powdersville | 11,321 | 96 | $88,125 |
| Fountain Inn | 11,307 | 86 | $72,021 |
| Red Bank | 10,950 | 82 | $60,348 |
| Garden City | 10,820 | 91 | $50,027 |
| Newberry | 10,733 | 68 | $47,885 |
| Forest Acres | 10,491 | 90 | $76,417 |
| Little River | 10,457 | 101 | $64,590 |
| Murrells Inlet | 10,087 | 114 | $75,438 |
| Woodfield | 9,901 | 79 | $38,394 |
| Litchfield Beach | 9,544 | 115 | $74,451 |
| Lugoff | 9,475 | 73 | $61,316 |
| Laurens | 9,307 | 68 | $55,207 |
| Hardeeville | 9,293 | 114 | $78,233 |
| Seneca | 8,910 | 75 | $52,207 |
| Lancaster | 8,738 | 78 | $43,234 |
| York | 8,697 | 73 | $47,315 |
| Sangaree | 8,517 | 98 | $77,939 |
| Georgetown | 8,511 | 70 | $57,704 |
| Sans Souci | 8,199 | 78 | $46,276 |
| Travelers Rest | 8,137 | 87 | $49,655 |
| Union | 8,047 | 64 | $34,112 |
| Camden | 8,025 | 77 | $53,289 |
| White Knoll | 7,865 | 90 | $79,531 |
| Clinton | 7,624 | 71 | $40,372 |
| Forestbrook | 7,450 | 90 | $77,791 |
| Welcome | 7,439 | 76 | $61,948 |
| Hartsville | 7,422 | 72 | $47,720 |
| Valley Falls | 7,249 | 79 | $55,671 |
| Burton | 7,132 | 89 | $57,315 |
| Lake Murray of Richland | 7,057 | 115 | $118,435 |
| Clover | 7,013 | 84 | $66,992 |
| Homeland Park | 6,944 | 65 | $38,079 |
| Centerville | 6,860 | 81 | $66,912 |
| Bennettsville | 6,798 | 59 | $40,889 |
| Dillon | 6,406 | 61 | $34,964 |
| Marion | 6,338 | 61 | $27,767 |
| Lyman | 6,317 | 86 | $69,688 |
| Darlington | 6,128 | 69 | $31,240 |
| Lake City | 6,032 | 63 | $35,000 |
| Piedmont | 5,786 | 70 | $51,896 |
| Laurel Bay | 5,627 | 93 | $52,094 |
| Walterboro | 5,490 | 73 | $48,366 |
| Belvedere | 5,458 | 71 | $57,933 |
| Hollywood | 5,330 | 107 | $77,415 |
| Blythewood | 5,309 | 96 | $105,583 |
| Central | 5,299 | 81 | $58,262 |
| Chester | 5,241 | 70 | $41,231 |
| Cheraw | 5,024 | 66 | $27,275 |
| Batesburg-Leesville | 4,935 | 67 | $53,102 |
| Abbeville | 4,863 | 59 | $38,983 |
| Barnwell | 4,616 | 61 | $43,239 |
| Belton | 4,405 | 69 | $48,164 |
| Baxter Village | 4,355 | 119 | $146,440 |
| Isle of Palms | 4,350 | 231 | $148,029 |
| Woodruff | 4,337 | 71 | $64,292 |
| Surfside Beach | 4,217 | 105 | $74,202 |
| East Camden | 4,210 | 72 | $53,234 |
| Duncan | 4,175 | 78 | $51,596 |
| Capitol View | 4,161 | 80 | $47,054 |
| Newport | 4,142 | 100 | $107,143 |
| Saxon | 4,139 | 65 | $28,394 |
| Walhalla | 4,121 | 67 | $42,696 |
| Williamston | 4,116 | 72 | $62,500 |
| Brookdale | 4,061 | 61 | $34,279 |
| Southern Shops | 3,985 | 69 | $35,016 |
| Edgefield | 3,977 | 67 | $37,500 |
| Mullins | 3,965 | 61 | $30,750 |
| Northlake | 3,848 | 84 | $79,531 |
| Manning | 3,843 | 65 | $27,597 |
| India Hook | 3,794 | 96 | $94,505 |
| Ridgeland | 3,756 | 79 | $71,023 |
| Honea Path | 3,734 | 65 | $56,304 |
| Dunean | 3,716 | 80 | $50,382 |
| Whitney | 3,659 | 70 | $49,181 |
| Wyboo | 3,582 | 72 | $57,725 |
| Pendleton | 3,542 | 79 | $60,517 |
| Roebuck | 3,468 | 80 | $51,111 |
| Wellford | 3,432 | 84 | $55,871 |
| Pickens | 3,386 | 75 | $58,534 |
| Liberty | 3,337 | 68 | $42,077 |
| Winnsboro | 3,332 | 66 | $35,649 |
| Keowee Key | 3,307 | 115 | $118,668 |
| North Hartsville | 3,217 | 74 | $59,990 |
| Lesslie | 3,202 | 94 | $86,500 |
| East Gaffney | 3,169 | 62 | $26,314 |
| Kingstree | 3,161 | 59 | $28,776 |
| Lakewood | 3,154 | 80 | $49,255 |
| Denmark | 3,141 | 63 | $33,100 |
| Cherryvale | 3,136 | 67 | $41,563 |
| Clearwater | 3,124 | 70 | $50,669 |
| Saluda | 3,095 | 63 | $40,567 |
| Burnettown | 3,090 | 78 | $38,371 |
| Inman | 3,085 | 81 | $55,156 |
| Golden Grove | 3,084 | 79 | $71,694 |
| Arthurtown | 3,063 | 67 | $19,820 |
| Hilltop | 3,058 | 77 | $39,432 |
| Bamberg | 3,036 | 67 | $27,614 |
| Bishopville | 2,958 | 58 | $44,015 |
| Dalzell | 2,949 | 72 | $52,723 |
| Arkwright | 2,910 | 68 | $51,458 |
| Williston | 2,884 | 61 | $35,968 |
| Springdale | 2,727 | 84 | $70,852 |
| Arcadia | 2,724 | 76 | $37,574 |
| Pine Ridge | 2,709 | 87 | $74,861 |
| Hampton | 2,691 | 73 | $45,809 |
| McCormick | 2,681 | 59 | $40,269 |
| Ninety Six | 2,635 | 68 | $53,438 |
| New Ellenton | 2,604 | 67 | $60,625 |
| Allendale | 2,595 | 59 | $25,250 |
| Ravenel | 2,594 | 88 | $72,365 |
| Loris | 2,570 | 69 | $36,158 |
| Landrum | 2,564 | 63 | $41,161 |
| Andrews | 2,558 | 73 | $53,611 |
| Johnston | 2,518 | 65 | $34,957 |
| Pageland | 2,476 | 67 | $40,236 |
| McColl | 2,453 | 51 | $33,925 |
| Varnville | 2,433 | 73 | $52,800 |
| Springdale | 2,422 | 69 | $42,708 |
| Gloverville | 2,418 | 67 | $51,691 |
| Ben Avon | 2,334 | 80 | $46,736 |
| Privateer | 2,294 | 62 | $49,861 |
| Estill | 2,287 | 62 | $36,547 |
| Edisto | 2,261 | 62 | $46,644 |
| Elgin | 2,258 | 71 | $74,167 |
| Watts Mills | 2,250 | 82 | $47,192 |
| Westminster | 2,244 | 65 | $38,393 |
| Kershaw | 2,220 | 73 | $58,077 |
| Riverview | 2,215 | 94 | $131,158 |
| Ware Shoals | 2,207 | 65 | $35,896 |
| Judson | 2,201 | 78 | $33,600 |
| Kiawah Island | 2,196 | 217 | $236,607 |
| Graniteville | 2,176 | 70 | $29,495 |
| Elgin | 2,176 | 88 | $84,219 |
| Pacolet | 2,164 | 65 | $46,120 |
| Blacksburg | 2,158 | 69 | $33,500 |
| Timmonsville | 2,153 | 63 | $32,736 |
| Sullivan's Island | 2,127 | 272 | $179,614 |
| Seabrook Island | 2,107 | 215 | $124,519 |
| Fairfax | 2,037 | 58 | $41,328 |
| Cowpens | 2,031 | 69 | $37,168 |
| Gaston | 2,026 | 70 | $59,500 |
| Arial | 2,024 | 69 | $50,132 |
| Shell Point | 2,005 | 89 | $65,840 |
| Mayo | 1,963 | 63 | $47,384 |
| Hopkins | 1,962 | 70 | $49,464 |
| Reidville | 1,955 | 89 | $117,692 |
| Pimlico | 1,940 | 110 | $138,833 |
| St. George | 1,935 | 70 | $31,950 |
| Slater-Marietta | 1,934 | 71 | $42,857 |
| South Congaree | 1,918 | 72 | $58,726 |
| Calhoun Falls | 1,897 | 52 | $35,527 |
| Stateburg | 1,859 | 99 | $71,781 |
| Wilkinson Heights | 1,853 | 63 | $22,714 |
| Monarch Mill | 1,828 | 59 | $39,212 |
| South Sumter | 1,808 | 60 | $42,708 |
| Irwin | 1,801 | 75 | $53,795 |
| Jackson | 1,782 | 64 | $37,067 |
| Blackville | 1,778 | 68 | $26,100 |
| Great Falls | 1,741 | 64 | $30,475 |
| Eureka Mill | 1,732 | 77 | $35,980 |
| Langley | 1,718 | 65 | $50,750 |
| Fairforest | 1,711 | 67 | $60,199 |
| St. Matthews | 1,626 | 70 | $55,351 |
| Camp Croft | 1,604 | 74 | $38,940 |
| Ridgeville | 1,591 | 93 | $56,134 |
| Awendaw | 1,574 | 152 | $70,781 |
| Pelzer | 1,570 | 78 | $54,886 |
| Bonneau Beach | 1,543 | 94 | $57,561 |
| Chesterfield | 1,497 | 69 | $48,167 |
| Wedgefield | 1,480 | 75 | $41,662 |
| St. Stephen | 1,460 | 69 | $59,688 |
| Lamar | 1,446 | 69 | $44,000 |
| Winnsboro Mills | 1,426 | 87 | $34,426 |
| Holly Hill | 1,415 | 71 | $34,792 |
| Chapin | 1,410 | 92 | $77,632 |
| Homewood | 1,390 | 71 | $44,466 |
| Joanna | 1,375 | 60 | $42,169 |
| Latta | 1,301 | 62 | $45,500 |
| West Pelzer | 1,276 | 69 | $53,125 |
| Edmund | 1,274 | 64 | $35,750 |
| Meggett | 1,274 | 124 | $96,032 |
| Whitmire | 1,241 | 60 | $32,188 |
| Buffalo | 1,232 | 75 | $21,831 |
| Catawba | 1,225 | 97 | $55,385 |
| Lake Secession | 1,209 | 89 | $46,933 |
| Prosperity | 1,198 | 68 | $58,276 |
| Murphys Estates | 1,187 | 87 | $90,357 |
| Due West | 1,185 | 76 | $52,059 |
| Santee | 1,179 | 68 | $36,856 |
| Conestee | 1,175 | 79 | $60,450 |
| City View | 1,172 | 89 | $37,625 |
| Wagener | 1,170 | 68 | $45,753 |
| Branchville | 1,169 | 67 | $40,144 |
| Cottageville | 1,154 | 72 | $68,750 |
| Pelion | 1,147 | 71 | $61,250 |
| Fort Lawn | 1,144 | 88 | $54,141 |
| Beech Island | 1,139 | 70 | $31,996 |
| Gadsden | 1,131 | 81 | $54,464 |
| Aynor | 1,077 | 84 | $70,972 |
| Drayton | 1,043 | 79 | $51,650 |
| Johnsonville | 1,037 | 66 | $47,891 |
| Jonesville | 1,016 | 54 | $35,000 |
| Dovesville | 1,014 | 81 | $32,072 |
| Yemassee | 1,007 | 70 | $36,923 |
| Elloree | 1,005 | 77 | $33,750 |
| McBee | 1,000 | 67 | $59,500 |
| Edisto Beach | 987 | 121 | $81,250 |
| Six Mile | 984 | 83 | $110,000 |
| Newtown | 969 | 68 | $33,214 |
| Seabrook | 959 | 76 | $62,941 |
| Folly Beach | 958 | 172 | $97,813 |
| Sandy Springs | 955 | 82 | $68,393 |
| Pamplico | 952 | 61 | $24,646 |
| Pinopolis | 950 | 101 | $113,750 |
| Iva | 937 | 65 | $24,313 |
| Warrenville | 925 | 78 | $39,817 |
| La France | 915 | 83 | $76,926 |
| Oakland | 901 | 79 | $61,875 |
| Inman Mills | 896 | 73 | $42,031 |
| Campobello | 888 | 92 | $84,063 |
| Quinby | 865 | 72 | $65,208 |
| Clifton | 861 | 81 | $48,357 |
| Ridge Spring | 848 | 58 | $38,854 |
| Arcadia Lakes | 843 | 101 | $96,000 |
| Norris | 838 | 67 | $51,750 |
| Lincolnville | 835 | 72 | $36,538 |
| Heath Springs | 825 | 71 | $50,500 |
| Scranton | 820 | 62 | $26,250 |
| The Cliffs Valley | 813 | 146 | $114,583 |
| Manville | 812 | 98 | $26,607 |
| Chesnee | 804 | 66 | $39,375 |
| Mayesville | 801 | 78 | $45,179 |
| Bowman | 789 | 68 | $27,500 |
| North | 783 | 61 | $36,250 |
| Jefferson | 753 | 52 | $35,227 |
| Fripp Island | 753 | 123 | $101,731 |
| Dunbar | 750 | 98 | $88,250 |
| DeBordieu Colony | 748 | 173 | $193,182 |
| Furman | 747 | 60 | $57,708 |
| Hamer | 735 | 71 | $45,417 |
| McClellanville | 734 | 117 | $104,236 |
| Gray Court | 731 | 73 | $64,286 |
| Chickasaw Point | 730 | 96 | $79,464 |
| Summerton | 709 | 56 | $35,893 |
| Olanta | 703 | 65 | $54,375 |
| Turbeville | 703 | 59 | $41,667 |
| Swansea | 700 | 72 | $49,271 |
| Coward | 668 | 64 | $36,250 |
| Lake View | 661 | 61 | $31,033 |
| Unity | 655 | 99 | $37,037 |
| Harleyville | 653 | 74 | $60,231 |
| Daufuskie Island | 636 | 99 | $153,821 |
| Summit | 596 | 80 | $76,250 |
| Pine Ridge | 595 | 61 | $54,286 |
| Clio | 591 | 55 | $28,875 |
| Fair Play | 578 | 92 | $113,466 |
| Modoc | 576 | 106 | $95,500 |
| Eastover | 566 | 62 | $22,750 |
| Gilbert | 563 | 82 | $76,364 |
| Little Rock | 560 | 78 | $55,104 |
| Pinewood | 559 | 51 | $27,500 |
| Hickory Grove | 559 | 78 | $61,250 |
| Sheldon | 536 | 99 | $30,239 |
| Bonneau | 536 | 91 | $58,750 |
| Lane | 531 | 74 | $35,726 |
| North Santee | 528 | 92 | $42,393 |
| Fairview Crossroads | 523 | 81 | $45,994 |
| Sharon | 515 | 79 | $44,125 |
| Hilda | 506 | 59 | $46,111 |
| Cross Hill | 502 | 70 | $37,083 |
| Briarcliffe Acres | 499 | 135 | $182,083 |
| Society Hill | 460 | 58 | $32,115 |
| Brunson | 457 | 69 | $37,391 |
| Centenary | 453 | 86 | $13,313 |
| Cameron | 451 | 80 | $72,500 |
| Little Mountain | 446 | 94 | $90,893 |
| Carlisle | 438 | 66 | $59,750 |
| Springfield | 434 | 63 | $44,583 |
| Neeses | 431 | 77 | $37,708 |
| Alcolu | 426 | 65 | $41,917 |
| Converse | 424 | 71 | $50,139 |
| Bethune | 421 | 90 | $42,656 |
| Ehrhardt | 416 | 59 | $33,984 |
| Hemingway | 413 | 64 | $44,375 |
| Lockhart | 411 | 57 | $37,188 |
| Rowesville | 406 | 64 | $28,125 |
| West Union | 396 | 66 | $49,821 |
| Paxville | 386 | 67 | $56,071 |
| Danwood | 384 | 86 | $120,188 |
| Lynchburg | 373 | 64 | $15,000 |
| Greeleyville | 364 | 56 | $31,250 |
| Lowrys | 357 | 113 | $79,018 |
| Donalds | 352 | 66 | $49,643 |
| Elliott | 347 | 80 | $39,306 |
| Patrick | 341 | 60 | $27,153 |
| Mount Carmel | 338 | 79 | $41,534 |
| Salley | 335 | 70 | $34,189 |
| Perry | 333 | 64 | $35,179 |
| Trenton | 320 | 69 | $52,986 |
| McConnells | 312 | 75 | $80,833 |
| Harbor Island | 310 | 97 | $100,250 |
| Reevesville | 295 | 100 | $72,500 |
| Ward | 284 | 66 | $55,625 |
| Snelling | 283 | 62 | $41,042 |
| Atlantic Beach | 283 | 91 | $40,000 |
| Buford | 283 | 90 | $77,639 |
| Norway | 279 | 69 | $47,632 |
| Pauline | 255 | 89 | $79,732 |
| Central Pacolet | 255 | 62 | $29,500 |
| Antreville | 253 | 101 | $136,250 |
| Ruby | 244 | 64 | $49,167 |
| Windsor | 243 | 84 | $107,500 |
| Ridgeway | 240 | 68 | $47,143 |
| Lydia | 237 | 74 | $22,275 |
| Floydale | 236 | 79 | $19,628 |
| Stuckey | 234 | 78 | $31,786 |
| Starr | 231 | 71 | $57,813 |
| Mulberry | 230 | 95 | $39,697 |
| Luray | 221 | 98 | $52,321 |
| Dacusville | 216 | 95 | $50,556 |
| Monetta | 209 | 66 | $55,781 |
| Abney Crossroads | 209 | 99 | $43,560 |
| Salem | 208 | 85 | $63,750 |
| Vance | 206 | 73 | $46,250 |
| Gifford | 200 | 60 | $29,583 |
| Rembert | 199 | 95 | $50,950 |
| Elko | 198 | 79 | $41,023 |
| Nichols | 195 | 79 | $46,471 |
| Waterloo | 192 | 98 | $41,250 |
| Olar | 188 | 73 | $36,607 |
| Sellers | 188 | 46 | $23,250 |
| Hodges | 177 | 83 | $54,531 |
| Wisacky | 175 | 86 | $29,413 |
| Livingston | 173 | 74 | $47,188 |
| Shiloh | 165 | 81 | $82,411 |
| Troy | 164 | 98 | $45,833 |
| Silverstreet | 160 | 87 | $72,273 |
| Cordova | 160 | 67 | $73,750 |
| Lodge | 150 | 78 | $34,625 |
| Smoaks | 148 | 85 | $63,125 |
| Woodford | 139 | 67 | $53,125 |
| Mount Croghan | 138 | 81 | $65,833 |
| Kline | 135 | 75 | $68,750 |
| Boykin | 134 | 95 | $134,219 |
| Clarks Hill | 125 | 97 | $40,714 |
| Rockville | 125 | 114 | $76,563 |
| Ulmer | 118 | 98 | $95,250 |
| Pawleys Island | 116 | 199 | $118,750 |
| Williams | 116 | 80 | $61,250 |
| Pomaria | 103 | 87 | $71,250 |
| Ware Place | 101 | 79 | $93,611 |
| Mountville | 100 | 98 | $68,710 |
| Tatum | 97 | 81 | $34,583 |
| Plum Branch | 95 | 82 | $145,833 |
| St. Charles | 94 | 92 | $31,515 |
| Parksville | 90 | 66 | $41,250 |
| Princeton | 88 | 98 | $143,684 |
| Browntown | 80 | 98 | $20,086 |
| Tradesville | 74 | 99 | $38,333 |
| Govan | 61 | 81 | $95,833 |
| Islandton | 54 | 83 | $38,250 |
| Blenheim | 46 | 84 | $66,667 |