South Carolina Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 46 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$945/mo
Average Home Value
$181,398
Average Owner Cost
$771/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in South Carolina: An Overview
The median rent in South Carolina is $945 per month, which is 19% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within South Carolina, housing costs vary significantly by county. Berkeley County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,518 per month and a median home value of $280,300. At the other end of the spectrum, Abbeville County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $634 per month and homes valued at a median of $147,200.
The average home value across South Carolina counties is $181,398, 36% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $57,006, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to South Carolina, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in South Carolina
How median rents are spread across 46 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All South Carolina Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley County | Expensive$1,518/mo | $280,300 | $1,260/mo | 29.0% |
| Charleston County | Expensive$1,506/mo | $450,800 | $1,568/mo | 31.0% |
| Beaufort County | Moderate$1,484/mo | $407,600 | $1,388/mo | 30.0% |
| Dorchester County | Moderate$1,381/mo | $294,400 | $1,343/mo | 31.0% |
| Jasper County | Moderate$1,307/mo | $269,400 | $904/mo | 27.0% |
| York County | Moderate$1,304/mo | $322,700 | $1,277/mo | 29.0% |
| Greenville County | Moderate$1,198/mo | $273,900 | $1,105/mo | 30.0% |
| Richland County | Moderate$1,185/mo | $224,200 | $1,182/mo | 33.0% |
| Horry County | Moderate$1,181/mo | $260,500 | $939/mo | 31.0% |
| Georgetown County | Moderate$1,166/mo | $262,300 | $846/mo | 29.0% |
| Lexington County | Moderate$1,115/mo | $217,700 | $1,025/mo | 28.0% |
| Aiken County | Moderate$1,031/mo | $199,500 | $825/mo | 29.0% |
| Spartanburg County | Moderate$1,019/mo | $216,000 | $934/mo | 29.0% |
| Sumter County | Moderate$1,006/mo | $159,500 | $777/mo | 29.0% |
| Calhoun County | Affordable$994/mo | $148,800 | $589/mo | 30.0% |
| Anderson County | Affordable$952/mo | $212,500 | $842/mo | 28.0% |
| Pickens County | Affordable$936/mo | $216,000 | $802/mo | 32.0% |
| Chester County | Affordable$918/mo | $143,800 | $590/mo | 29.0% |
| Fairfield County | Affordable$910/mo | $129,100 | $619/mo | 34.0% |
| Florence County | Affordable$908/mo | $165,500 | $796/mo | 29.0% |
| Colleton County | Affordable$905/mo | $145,900 | $762/mo | 31.0% |
| Lancaster County | Affordable$892/mo | $298,100 | $1,012/mo | 31.0% |
| Greenwood County | Affordable$880/mo | $166,400 | $712/mo | 29.0% |
| Darlington County | Affordable$876/mo | $141,400 | $601/mo | 35.0% |
| Oconee County | Affordable$876/mo | $217,200 | $721/mo | 30.0% |
| Kershaw County | Affordable$872/mo | $191,900 | $934/mo | 33.0% |
| Edgefield County | Affordable$854/mo | $194,300 | $732/mo | 31.0% |
| Newberry County | Affordable$854/mo | $158,200 | $676/mo | 29.0% |
| Laurens County | Affordable$847/mo | $153,500 | $667/mo | 26.0% |
| Hampton County | Affordable$815/mo | $102,400 | $551/mo | 31.0% |
| Saluda County | Affordable$814/mo | $123,200 | $561/mo | 27.0% |
| Cherokee County | Affordable$813/mo | $135,200 | $560/mo | 29.0% |
| Lee County | Affordable$806/mo | $101,900 | $479/mo | 29.0% |
| Orangeburg County | Affordable$804/mo | $109,700 | $568/mo | 33.0% |
| Bamberg County | Affordable$794/mo | $96,000 | $519/mo | 31.0% |
| Chesterfield County | Affordable$776/mo | $101,400 | $531/mo | 28.0% |
| Union County | Affordable$770/mo | $100,000 | $494/mo | 27.0% |
| Williamsburg County | Affordable$769/mo | $95,100 | $561/mo | 32.0% |
| Clarendon County | Affordable$728/mo | $147,300 | $584/mo | 32.0% |
| Barnwell County | Affordable$695/mo | $97,200 | $647/mo | 30.0% |
| Dillon County | Affordable$692/mo | $84,400 | $446/mo | 30.0% |
| Allendale County | Affordable$691/mo | $61,600 | $469/mo | 26.0% |
| Marlboro County | Affordable$686/mo | $74,500 | $424/mo | 26.0% |
| McCormick County | Affordable$666/mo | $159,000 | $601/mo | 25.0% |
| Marion County | Affordable$663/mo | $86,800 | $446/mo | 23.0% |
| Abbeville County | Affordable$634/mo | $147,200 | $596/mo | 26.0% |
Compare South Carolina to Other States
See how South Carolina counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Housing Costs
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How does South Carolina's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in South Carolina?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.