Question 1

What is the cost of living in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

South Carolina has an average cost of living index of 102, which is 8% below the national average of 111. Average monthly rent across tracked cities is $1,752, and average median household income is $69,493.

Question 2

What is the cheapest city in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Columbia is the most affordable city tracked in South Carolina, with a cost index of 85 and median rent of $1,459/month.

Question 3

What is the most expensive city in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

Charleston is the most expensive city tracked in South Carolina, with a cost index of 124 and median rent of $2,127/month.

Question 4

What is the average rent in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

The average monthly rent across 3 tracked cities in South Carolina is $1,752. The cheapest rent is in Columbia at $1,459/month.

Question 5

What is the average household income in South Carolina?

Accepted Answer

The average median household income across tracked cities in South Carolina is $69,493. The highest-earning city is Charleston at $90,038.

Question 6

Is South Carolina affordable to live in?

Accepted Answer

South Carolina's average rent-to-income ratio is 30.6%. Financial advisors recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income. South Carolina can be a financial stretch, with rent exceeding 30% of typical incomes in many cities. Columbia offers the best value at a cost index of 85.

City	Cost	Rent	Income	Home Price	Pop	Rent/Inc
Charleston	124	$2,127	$90,038	$581,145	155,369	28.3%
Columbia	85	$1,459	$55,653	$226,769	129,330	31.5%
North Charleston	98	$1,670	$62,789	$307,981	121,469	31.9%

City	Cost	Rent	Income	Home Price	Pop	Rent/Inc
Charleston	124	$2,127	$90,038	$581,145	155,369	28.3%
Columbia	85	$1,459	$55,653	$226,769	129,330	31.5%
North Charleston	98	$1,670	$62,789	$307,981	121,469	31.9%

South Carolina

Core metrics, city comparisons, and tax signals

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South Carolina

Core metrics, city comparisons, and tax signals