Folly Beach, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Folly Beach, SC Utility & Living Guide

Living in Folly Beach offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with beautiful beaches and a tight-knit community.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Folly Beach
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Charleston Water System
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Charleston County Environmental Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Folly Beach housing market is competitive, with demand driven by its coastal location. Prices have risen steadily, but it remains more affordable than nearby Charleston.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of conservative and liberal voters)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in tourism, fishing, and hospitality
Top Local Concerns
Coastal erosion, rising housing costs, traffic congestion
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; CARTA buses are available but not stroller-friendly.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Folly Beach County Park
  • 🎯
    Folly Pier
  • 🎯
    Splash Zone Waterpark

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Washout area is popular for its proximity to the beach, while the center of the island offers quieter family-friendly streets.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Folly Beach based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Short-term rental regulations require permits, and beachfront properties have strict building codes.

Folly Beach is seeing increased investment in vacation rentals and eco-tourism. Rising home values reflect its growing popularity as a coastal destination.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Folly Beach — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage drives higher electric bills, while winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate of 0.45% for Folly Beach, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Sidewalks are decent but uneven in some areas, parks are accessible, and family infrastructure is improving.

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