Cost of Living in Carolina Forest, SC

With a cost of living index of 105, Carolina Forest, SC is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 5% more expensive than the national average and 23% above the South Carolina state average of 82. With a population of 26,373, Carolina Forest is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Carolina Forest's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,567 (19% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $298,700 (2% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Carolina Forest is $70,647, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Carolina Forest. The area sees an average annual temperature of 64°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches spread over roughly 122 days.

Everyday prices in the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.