Cost of Living in Beaufort County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Beaufort County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Beaufort County ranks #2,046 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Beaufort County, South Carolina
Beaufort commands coastal housing premiums
Beaufort County residents earn a strong median of $84,819—13% above the national average—yet spend 21.0% of income on rent, exceeding national norms. This reflects Beaufort's position as South Carolina's most expensive coastal market, where median rents of $1,484 and home values of $407,600 demand premium incomes.
South Carolina's priciest housing market
Beaufort's median rent of $1,484 runs 57% above the state average of $945, and its $407,600 home values dwarf most county medians by two to four times. While Beaufort's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio stays manageable due to high incomes, it remains one of South Carolina's costliest places to live.
Dramatically pricier than inland alternatives
Beaufort's $1,484 rent towers $453 above Aiken County and nearly $533 above Anderson County, reflecting coastal scarcity. Median home values of $407,600 run double Berkeley County's and triple Anderson's, pricing out all but the highest-earning households.
High income offsets steep housing costs
Beaufort households earning $84,819 allocate 21.0% to rent or roughly 19.6% to mortgage costs—steep burdens eased only by above-average incomes. Renters and homeowners alike must commit substantial earnings to housing, leaving less flexibility for other life goals.
Beaufort rewards high-income relocators
Relocating to Beaufort means paying for coastal access: $1,484 rent and $407,600 home values demand six-figure incomes for comfort. Compare these figures to inland counties like Anderson ($952 rent, $212,500 homes) to decide whether Beaufort's lifestyle premium justifies the cost.
Cost of Living Advisory: Beaufort County
Affordability Verdict
Beaufort County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,484/month — about 21.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,484/month rent versus $1,388/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $96/month cheaper — a 6% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $59,486/year. With a median household income of $84,819, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Beaufort County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Beaufort County sits 7% more expensive than Dorchester County ($1,381/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Beaufort County
Rent Burden
21.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,979
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
The median home in Beaufort County may be a stretch
Median home value is $407,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,254 vs. your max of $1,979.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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