South Carolina Living Report — July 23, 2026

South Carolina has become one of the more compelling destinations in the Southeast for those looking to trade high costs for temperate winters and a slower pace. For anyone considering a move, the numbers paint a picture of a state that remains relatively affordable, though not without its own set of economic disparities. With a population of approximately 5,142,750 and a median age of 40.0, the state skews slightly older than the national average, but it attracts a diverse mix—from young remote workers seeking lower overhead to families and retirees drawn to the coast and the Blue Ridge foothills.

The housing market is a primary draw. The median home value sits at $216,200, a figure that is comfortably below the national median and allows for entry into homeownership that might feel impossible in pricier metros. Renters, too, find relative relief. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,065 per month, which, when held against the

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Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 207 tracked cities in South Carolina.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 23, 2026.

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