Cost of Living in Port Royal, SC

With a cost of living index of 107, Port Royal, SC is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 7% more expensive than the national average and 25% above the South Carolina state average of 82. Port Royal is a smaller community of 15,047 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Port Royal's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,606 (22% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $298,000 (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 Port Royal is $70,330, 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 Port Royal. The area sees an average annual temperature of 67.2°F, with summers averaging 82°F and winters around 52°F. Annual rainfall totals 45 inches spread over roughly 118 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, 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.