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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in South Carolina: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

6.3% below

Cost of living in South Carolina is 6.3% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for South Carolina (index 93.7; U.S. = 100). Median rent in South Carolina is $1,272 a month.

Cost of living in South Carolina by category

Overall prices

93.7U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−6.3% vs. U.S.

Goods
96.3 −3.7%
Housing (rents)
80.5 −19.5%
Utilities
88.3 −11.7%
Other services
98.3 −1.7%

BEA 2024 · South Carolina Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,272/mo

Median gross rent

−14% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,203 −8% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,275 −14% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,305 −22% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$299,500 −17% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,627 −20% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$165/mo

Average electric bill

+6% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
15.5¢/kWh −16% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$22.73/Mcf +17% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
88.3

EIA July 2026 · South Carolina Details: Utilities

Transportation

26.3min

Mean travel time to work

−3% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
74.9%
Work from home
12.3%
Gasoline (PADD 1C avg.)
$4.07/gal −7% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$117/wk

Center care, infant

−32% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$117/wk −24% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$127/wk −12% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$134/wk −7% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · South Carolina county median Details: Child care

Income

$72,350/yr

Median household income

−11% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
21%
Home value to income
4.1×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in South Carolina

Median gross rent in South Carolina is $1,272 a month, 14% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 14.6% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 36.6% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $299,500, and 5% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: South Carolina vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent South Carolina: $1,272; U.S.: $1,487 South Carolina $1,272 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs South Carolina: $1,627; U.S.: $2,035 South Carolina $1,627 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value South Carolina: $299,500; U.S.: $360,600 South Carolina $299,500 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureSouth CarolinaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,272$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,627$2,035
Median home value$299,500$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in South Carolina

What renters pay in South Carolina Share of renter households paying cash rent in South Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 6.4%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.4%. Median $1,272. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 6.4% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 10% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 14% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 18.4% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 14.6% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 21.8% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 9.4% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 0.9% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.4% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,272 (South Carolina) 21.8%
Show the data table
RangeSouth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $5006.4%6.1%
$500–$74910%6.8%
$750–$99914%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24918.4%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49914.6%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99921.8%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4999.4%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9993.1%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4990.9%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.4%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in South Carolina

Home values in South Carolina Share of owner-occupied homes in South Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 13.9%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 2.3%. Median $299,500. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 13.9% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 6.2% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 10.4% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 11.2% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 17.8% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 11% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 11.7% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 4.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $299,500 (South Carolina) 17.8%
Show the data table
RangeSouth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $100,00013.9%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9996.2%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9998.4%7.5%
$200,000–$249,99910.4%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99911.2%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99917.8%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99911%12%
$500,000–$749,99911.7%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9994.4%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9992.7%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more2.3%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in South Carolina

Measure South Carolina U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,272$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,203$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,275$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,305$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,627$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is South Carolina?

At the median, rent takes about 21% of household income in South Carolina. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $50,900 a year.

The median home is worth $299,500, or 4.1 times the median household income.

Household income in South Carolina

The median household in South Carolina earns $72,350 a year, 11% below the U.S. median of $81,604. About 9.5% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 16.1% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: South Carolina vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) South Carolina: $72,350; U.S.: $81,604 South Carolina $72,350 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureSouth CarolinaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$72,350$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in South Carolina

Household income distribution in South Carolina Share of households in South Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.9%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 9.5%. Median $72,350. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5.9% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.7% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.8% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 7.2% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.8% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 13.5% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.9% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 8.7% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 9.5% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $72,350 (South Carolina) 13.5%
Show the data table
RangeSouth CarolinaU.S.
Less than $10,0005.9%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9993.6%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.9%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.7%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9993.4%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.7%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.7%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.8%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.6%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9997.2%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.8%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99913.5%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.9%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9998.7%9.7%
$200,000 or more9.5%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure South Carolina U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $72,350$81,604
Median home value $299,500$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, South Carolina scored 93.7 for all items. The highest category is other services at 98.3; the lowest is housing rents at 80.5.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items South Carolina: 93.7; U.S.: 100.0 South Carolina 93.7 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods South Carolina: 96.3; U.S.: 99.6 South Carolina 96.3 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) South Carolina: 80.5; U.S.: 100.6 South Carolina 80.5 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities South Carolina: 88.3; U.S.: 98.4 South Carolina 88.3 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services South Carolina: 98.3; U.S.: 100.1 South Carolina 98.3 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureSouth CarolinaU.S.
All items93.7100.0
Goods96.399.6
Housing (rents)80.5100.6
Utilities88.398.4
Other services98.3100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in South Carolina paid an average of 15.5¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $165 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $22.73 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: South Carolina vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) South Carolina: 15.5¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ South Carolina 15.5¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) South Carolina: $165; U.S.: $157 South Carolina $165 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) South Carolina: $22.73; U.S.: $19.40 South Carolina $22.73 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureSouth CarolinaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)15.5¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$165$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$22.73$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in South Carolina who commute spend an average of 26.3 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (74.9% of workers); 12.3% work from home. Gasoline in the Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), which includes South Carolina, averaged $4.07 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate South Carolina price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work South Carolina: Drove alone 74.9%, Carpooled 9%, Public transit 0.3%, Walked 1.6%, Bicycle 0.2%, Worked from home 12.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in South Carolina: Drove alone. South Carolina South Carolina · Drove alone: 74.9% 74.9% South Carolina · Carpooled: 9% South Carolina · Public transit: 0.3% South Carolina · Walked: 1.6% South Carolina · Bicycle: 0.2% South Carolina · Worked from home: 12.3% 12.3% South Carolina · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationSouth CarolinaU.S.
Drove alone74.9%69.2%
Carpooled9%9.2%
Public transit0.3%3.7%
Walked1.6%2.4%
Bicycle0.2%0.5%
Worked from home12.3%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.7%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in South Carolina

Travel time to work in South Carolina Share of workers who do not work from home in South Carolina by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.5%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2.5%. Mean 26.3 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 9.3% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 13% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 15.5% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 14.9% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7.5% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 14.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3.6% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 8.1% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.3% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2.5% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 26.3 min (South Carolina) 15.5%
Show the data table
RangeSouth CarolinaU.S.
Less than 5 min2.5%2.8%
5–9 min9.3%9.4%
10–14 min13%13.1%
15–19 min15.5%15%
20–24 min14.9%14.1%
25–29 min7.5%7%
30–34 min14.2%13.7%
35–39 min3.5%3.4%
40–44 min3.6%4.1%
45–59 min8.1%8.3%
60–89 min5.3%6.3%
90 min or more2.5%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in South Carolina

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $117 a week in the median South Carolina county, or $6,095 over 52 weeks. That is 32% below the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care South Carolina (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $117$174
Center-based care, toddler $117$153
Center-based care, preschool $127$144
Center-based care, school-age $134$120
Home-based family care, infant $134$143
Home-based family care, toddler $134$132
Home-based family care, preschool $136$131
Home-based family care, school-age $140$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than South Carolina prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in South Carolina?

Median rent is $1,203 for a one-bedroom and $1,275 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in South Carolina?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 30.4% pay less than $1,000 a month, 54.8% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 14.8% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in South Carolina?

To keep the median rent of $1,272 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $50,900 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is South Carolina more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in South Carolina at 93.7 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 6.3% below average. Housing rents score 80.5.

How long is the average commute in South Carolina?

26.3 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in South Carolina?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $117 a week in the median South Carolina county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.