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
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.
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
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.