Cost of Living in Folly Beach, SC

With a cost of living index of 172, Folly Beach, SC is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 72% more expensive than the national average and 90% above the South Carolina state average of 82. Folly Beach is a small community of 958 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Folly Beach's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,930 (46% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $951,200 (212% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 9.7x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Folly Beach is $97,813, which is 30% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they do not fully offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Folly Beach. The area sees an average annual temperature of 67.2°F, with summers averaging 81°F and winters around 53°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.3 inches spread over roughly 102 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Charleston-North Charleston, 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.