Saint Stephen, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Tier 3 Location

Saint Stephen, SC Utility & Living Guide

Saint Stephen offers a peaceful small-town atmosphere with close-knit community vibes.

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 — Saint Stephen
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Santee Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Saint Stephen Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Berkeley County Landfill
📶 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 housing market in Saint Stephen is stable with moderate growth. Affordable single-family homes dominate the market, attracting first-time buyers.

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
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in agriculture, retail, and light manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, school funding, job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Santee National Wildlife Refuge
  • 🎯
    Saint Stephen Community Park
  • 🎯
    Berkeley County Library

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods near downtown Saint Stephen are popular for their walkability and proximity to schools. Areas along the Santee River offer scenic views and larger lots.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Saint Stephen based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Residents must adhere to county waste disposal rules and obtain permits for home renovations.

Saint Stephen is seeing increased investment in local small businesses. Home values are rising steadily due to its proximity to Charleston.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Saint Stephen — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electric bills due to air conditioning use. Winter heating costs are lower as many homes rely on electric heating.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rate of 1.2%, no local surtaxes specific to Saint Stephen county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 5/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are limited outside downtown, park access is decent, but transit lacks family-friendly infrastructure.

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