Port Royal, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Port Royal, SC Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: July 3, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1328/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$292,400
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Port Royal Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Beaufort County Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1328/mo
2 Bedrooms$1476/mo
3 Bedrooms$1845/mo
Median Home Price$292,400
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Port Royal’s housing market is competitive, with demand driven by its waterfront properties and proximity to Beaufort. Prices have risen steadily due to limited inventory.

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
+8% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of conservative and liberal voters)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in tourism, marine services, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Flooding, traffic congestion, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; sidewalks are decent but not extensive.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center
  • 🎯
    Sands Beach
  • 🎯
    Cypress Wetlands

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Point and Mossy Oaks are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Waterfront areas are pricier but highly desirable.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Port Royal based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Port Royal — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$68,909
🏠 Homeownership Rate
36.6%
🔑 Renter Rate
63.4%
📉 Poverty Rate
9.0%
💼 Unemployment Rate
1.0%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use spikes electric bills, while mild winters keep heating costs low. Water usage rises in dry seasons for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP 29935: millage rate 0.45, no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks exist in downtown and newer areas, but park access varies. Limited elevator access in transit.

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