Rent Affordability for South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina (SC) Key Facts
Average 1 B R Rent
$1,100
Median Monthly Income
$4,667
Recommended Max Rent (30% Rule)
$1,400
Affordability Gap
Affordable
Rent to Income Ratio
23.6%
How This Calculator Works in South Carolina
This rent affordability calculator helps you determine how much rent you can reasonably afford in South Carolina based on your income and the 30% rule. Enter your monthly income and desired rent to see whether your housing costs are within a healthy range. The calculator also shows how your situation compares to the South Carolina average.
South Carolina Overview
With a median household income of $56,000, South Carolina residents can afford roughly $1,400/month in rent under the 30% guideline. Average 1-bedroom rent is about $1,100/month. State income taxes in South Carolina reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
How South Carolina Compares
South Carolina's rent-to-income ratio of 23.6% is within the recommended 30% range. In neighboring North Carolina, the ratio is 23.0%. Nationally, about half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, highlighting the widespread challenge of rental affordability.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $1,150 | Average 1BR rent is $1,150 with median monthly income of $5,000. The 30% rule allows $1,500 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Georgia | $1,250 | Average 1BR rent is $1,250 with median monthly income of $5,167. The 30% rule allows $1,550 for rent, which covers average rent. |
| Tennessee | $1,100 | Average 1BR rent is $1,100 with median monthly income of $4,833. The 30% rule allows $1,450 for rent, which covers average rent. |
In South Carolina, the median household earns $56,000 annually ($4,667 per month). Using the 30% rule, the recommended maximum rent is $1,400 per month. With average 1BR rents at $1,100, rents are within the recommended affordability range. Nationally, about half of renters are considered cost-burdened (paying more than 30% of income on housing).
Tips for South Carolina Residents
- 1The 30% rule suggests spending no more than 30% of gross income on rent. In South Carolina, with a median household income of $56,000, the maximum recommended rent is about $1,400/month.
- 2Average 1-bedroom rent in South Carolina is roughly $1,100/month. This is within or near the 30% guideline for the median household, indicating reasonable affordability at the state level.
- 3State income taxes in South Carolina reduce your take-home pay, so base your rent budget on net income rather than gross for a more realistic picture.
- 4Beyond rent, budget for utilities ($100-$300/month), renters insurance ($15-$30/month), and any parking or pet fees. These can add 10-20% on top of your base rent in South Carolina.
- 5If you are spending more than 30% of income on rent in South Carolina, look into housing assistance programs such as Section 8 vouchers, state-funded rental assistance, or employer housing benefits.