South Carolina cost of living
+1 more
Moving to a new state can seem like a big gamble. It will take time to make new friends, establish yourself in a new job and learn your way around. Once you sort out the practical matters, that gamble can pay off.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to South Carolina for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in South Carolina is $1,476.95, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in South Carolina spend $254.36 weekly on food at home and $102.19 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.11 in South Carolina.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in South Carolina pay $1,712 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in South Carolina
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in South Carolina is $1,476.95, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in South Carolina broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in South Carolina had a median cost of $1,008 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,048 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,134 and $1,376, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in South Carolina is $390,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Charleston metro area was $421,400 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
South Carolina ranks No. 45 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.57%.
» COMPARE: Best moving companies
Food costs in South Carolina
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in South Carolina is $254.36, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. South Carolina residents spend an average of $102.19 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in South Carolina
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in South Carolina is $3.11, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in South Carolina is $1,270.77, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in South Carolina
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost South Carolina employees $1,712 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,540 of the $7,252 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in South Carolina
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in South Carolina is $147.87, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in South Carolina costs $16.42 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
Are groceries expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolinians spend about 6% less than the national average on groceries each week, according to census survey data from 2023. In November 2023, we found that residents in the state enjoyed smaller price hikes at the grocery store than those in many other states.
Is South Carolina a good state for retirees?
We ranked Charleston the 18th-best city for retirees in 2024 based on factors such as cost of living, crime, weather and community well-being. However, Spartanburg finished as the second-worst.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
