Cost of Living for South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina (SC) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
93
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$56,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,000/month
State Income Tax Rate
6.4%
How This Calculator Works in South Carolina
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between South Carolina and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses South Carolina's cost of living index of 93 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
South Carolina Overview
South Carolina has a cost of living index of 93, where 100 represents the national average. South Carolina has a below-average cost of living, with affordable housing across most of the state. Charleston and Greenville are the most expensive metros but still reasonable by national standards. The median household income is $56,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $60,215 in an average-cost location.
How South Carolina Compares
South Carolina's cost of living index of 93 compares to North Carolina's 96 and Georgia's 93. Residents in South Carolina benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 11% less than South Carolina, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 106% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | COL Index: 96 | North Carolina has a cost of living index of 96 and a median household income of $60,000. It is more expensive than South Carolina. |
| Georgia | COL Index: 93 | Georgia has a cost of living index of 93 and a median household income of $61,000. It has a similar cost of living to South Carolina. |
| Florida | COL Index: 103 | Florida has a cost of living index of 103 and a median household income of $63,000. It is more expensive than South Carolina. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. South Carolina's index of 93 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. South Carolina's median household income of $56,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for South Carolina Residents
- 1South Carolina has a below-average cost of living, with affordable housing across most of the state. Charleston and Greenville are the most expensive metros but still reasonable by national standards.
- 2South Carolina's median household income of $56,000 has a real purchasing power of about $60,215 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3South Carolina's top state income tax rate of 6.4% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within South Carolina between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.