Cost of Living in South Carolina [2024]
South Carolina is a great state with lots to offer. One of the many incredible draws to this state is that it has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Whether you are interested in the stunning beauty, warm and relaxed atmosphere, or a combination of both, there are plenty of things to enjoy in South Carolina.
Those who enjoy great weather or consider themselves outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in South Carolina, as the state has unbeatable scenic landscapes, ranging from upstate mountains to sandy beach coastlines.
Although South Carolina has become such a popular place to live, living costs remain lower than the nation’s average. Thankfully, you can easily find something within your budget by taking a closer look at the cost of living in South Carolina. The good news is, we’ve already done all the research, so you don’t have to. Keep scrolling for all the details on building out your new budget in South Carolina.
Cost of Living in South Carolina
What Is the Cost of Living in South Carolina?
The cost of living in South Carolina is 6.34% lower than the national average, making it the twentieth cheapest state in the nation.
Where Is Cost of Living in South Carolina Highest?
The most expensive city in South Carolina is Hilton Head Island, where the cost of living is 10.83% higher compared to the state average and 3.8% higher than in the rest of the U.S.
Where Is Cost of Living in South Carolina Lowest?
The cheapest major city in South Carolina is Anderson, with a cost of living being 10.63% lower compared to the state average and 16.3% lower than the national average.
How Much Is Rent in South Carolina?
As of June 2024, average rent in South Carolina for bedrooms of any size is $1,247 a month. For one-bedroom apartments, that average is $1,134, while two-bedrooms are a comparatively good deal at $1,194. Here are median rent rates in two of South Carolina's biggest cities:
| Location | One-Bedroom Rent | Two-Bedroom | Overall Median Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $1,447 | $1,696 | $1,629 |
| Columbia | $995 | $1,199 | $1,179 |
South Carolina has rental properties in all forms, from high-rise modern apartments to single-family, historic homes. Needless to say, there’s something to fit every renter’s taste in South Carolina.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in South Carolina?
A rule to determine your recommended salary in South Carolina is the 30% rule, which holds you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent. So if you’re planning to rent in Charleston, where the median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,447. According to the 30% rule, you should earn a little over $59,000 a year in order to comfortably afford a one-bedroom.
How Much Is Housing in South Carolina?
The median value of homes in South Carolina is current $212,200, with most homeowners paying around $1,423 per month in housing costs (including their mortgages).
How Much Are Utilities in South Carolina?
Depending on the city you move to, average utility bills can vary. Considering the national average cost of utilities is $253 monthly, South Carolina is reasonable at an average of $238.74. Here's the average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915-square-foot apartment, broken down by the major cities in South Carolina:
| Location | Avg Electric | Avg Gas | Avg Water | Avg Fuel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 173.25 | 27.34 | 36.80 | 1.36 | 238.74 |
| U.S. | 150.93 | 51.12 | 45.52 | 5.57 | 253.14 |
| Charleston, SC | 139.12 | 88.79 | 53.61 | 1.31 | 282.82 |
| Columbia, SC | 152.66 | 54.43 | 63.46 | 1.22 | 271.76 |
| Greenville, SC | 166.25 | 40.82 | 45.76 | 4.40 | 257.23 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 171.41 | 29.60 | 42.85 | 0.34 | 244.21 |
Remember that these average costs do not include other expenses, such as internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:
- Spartanburg: $75.67/month
- Myrtle Beach: $74.86/month
- Greenville: $75.67/month
- Charleston: $64.62/month
- Columbia: $60.99/month
You may also want to account for your monthly cell phone bill, which could cost around $94 per month according to the national average. You might be able to bundle your cell phone with your internet provider to help save on some of these costs. Other discounts may include specials for new customers, so don’t be afraid to ask your provider about these and more.
How Much Is Transportation in South Carolina?
Getting around in South Carolina can be costly, with average annual transportation costs of $10,477 for a single individual, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. If you’re a family of four with two working adults and two children, you can anticipate paying around $17,574 in transportation costs on an annual basis.
South Carolina has a multitude of public transportation options, including:
- Statewide Buses
- Coastal Buses
- Midlands Buses
- Pee Dee Buses
- Upstate and Piedmont Buses
While public transportation is one option, having reliable private transportation is easier. You can get a better idea of the costs associated with having your vehicle by looking at the average gas prices in the major cities in South Carolina:
- Spartanburg: $3.73/gallon
- Myrtle Beach: $3.16/gallon
- Greenville: $3.53/gallon
- Charleston: $3.62/gallon
- Columbia: $3.58/gallon
Considering the national average is currently $4.40 per gallon of regular gas, South Carolina’s gasoline costs are considerably low.
How Much Are Food Costs in South Carolina?
The average single South Carolina resident spends around $4,104 annually on food, roughly $342 per month. For a family of four with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $9,487 annually.
Note that these figures are associated with food picked up at the local BI-LO, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, or Piggly Wiggly and entirely prepared in the home. If you are anything short of a mastermind in the kitchen, you may also want to budget for additional food costs as well.
With so many delicious restaurants and iconic South Carolina foods, it’s hard to resist a few meals outside of your kitchen. Don’t forget to account for eating out in your budget, including trying out the famous boiled peanuts, pimento cheese, BBQ, collards, and sweet tea.
To get a better idea of how to budget, here’s a look at some of the average costs for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant across South Carolina:
- Spartanburg: $35/meal
- Myrtle Beach: $100/meal
- Greenville: $60/meal
- Charleston: $70/meal
- Columbia: $65/meal
How Much Is Healthcare in South Carolina?
A single adult without children will pay around $3,015 for medical care in a single year, while a family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,487, not including child care. To cover these two children, child care can add on an average of $17,739 per year.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a top priority, regardless of where you choose to live. Whether you only see your doctor for regular checkups or suffer from chronic illnesses, having proper health insurance is essential. In emergencies, having good medical coverage can also be beneficial to ensure you can afford any treatments necessary.
See what coverage is available in your new state before making your big move by checking out the federal healthcare marketplace. If you need to relocate outside of an enrollment period, which usually falls in November, you can report your move to ensure you qualify for out-of-state coverage.
It is possible to stay on your parent’s policy if you’re moving out of state, as long as you are under 26 years old. Before moving, check with your current provider to see which doctors fall in the network in your new location to be sure.
South Carolina Fitness and Entertainment
There is no shortage of fitness and entertainment opportunities in South Carolina. Before moving to South Carolina, take a look at this breakdown of fitness and entertainment costs.
Fitness
While winters are relatively mild in South Carolina, summers are hot and humid. This humid climate can make outdoor exercise challenging in the summertime. To maintain your fitness year-round, you might want to consider a gym membership.
Thankfully, the average cost of a monthly fitness club membership in South Carolina’s major cities is relatively low:
- Spartanburg: $53.33/month
- Myrtle Beach: $28.33/month
- Greenville: $65.20/month
- Charleston: $24.75/month
- Columbia: $38/month
South Carolina has several outdoor activities that can help you save on costs when weather permits, including walking, hiking, sailing, etc. But, if you plan to be outdoors year-round, remember that you’ll have to adjust your wardrobe accordingly, which will also come at an additional cost.
National and State Parks
South Carolina is home to eight national parks, including:
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- Congaree National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
- Kings Mountain National Military Park
- Ninety Six National Historic Site
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
- Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
In addition to the wide range of national parks, South Carolina also has 47 state parks work check out.
Museums
You’ll find countless museums in South Carolina, great for year-round family entertainment. Some of the most famous museums in the state include:
- Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville
- South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro
- Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island
- BMW Zentrum Museum in Greenville
- Anderson County Museum in Anderson
- Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia
Other Expenses to Consider in South Carolina
South Carolina is a great place to live, though it’s important to note that here there is a progressive state income tax. Additionally, note that the state sales taxes also rank in the top 20 highest in the country at 6%, with most counties imposing an additional local sales tax on top of that.
Big moves from out of state come with other expenses to consider, including things like movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. There will also be additional fees such as apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other optional add-ons once you get to your new home.
Furnishing your new home will also come at an expense. Since you’ll want to do some decorating to make it feel like a home, you’ll have to account for this spending in your budget. Check out a few tips on how to decorate your apartment on a budget to avoid overspending in this area of your move.
Looking for an Apartment in South Carolina?
If you want to move to a beautiful state with a fantastic quality of life, South Carolina might be the state for you.
Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the thousands of available apartments to rent in South Carolina!
FAQs: Cost of Living in South Carolina in 2023
How expensive is an apartment in South Carolina?
The current overall average rent in South Carolina is $1,247. For one-bedroom apartments, the average is $1,134, while two-bedrooms cost closer to $1,194 a month.
What is the cheapest rent in South Carolina?
The cheapest rent in South Carolina is a one-bedroom apartment, with an average rent of $941 in Spartanburg.
How expensive is it to live in South Carolina?
In Charleston, South Carolina, where the cost of living is on par with the national average, residents spend around $4,782 per month overall.
How far is South Carolina from Georgia?
South Carolina to Georgia is 183.9 miles and takes about 3 hours and 14-minutes to drive. It takes about an hour to fly from South Carolina to Georgia.
How far is South Carolina from North Carolina?
It takes 202.6 miles to drive from South Carolina to Georgia and takes about 3 hours and 46 minutes. Flying from South Carolina to North Carolina takes about 45-minutes.
How far is South Carolina from Florida?
The distance between South Carolina and Florida is 497.7 miles and takes 7 hours and 42 minutes to drive. A flight will take about an hour and twenty minutes.
What is the population of South Carolina?
According to the US Census Bureau, there are 5,190,705 people living in South Carolina. The population of Columbia is 133,273.
What is a good salary in South Carolina?
At an average rate of $1,247 for any apartment, we suggest that you earn around $50,000 a year before taxes in order to comfortably afford an apartment in South Carolina. Keep in mind that prices will vary by region.
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