South Carolina Living Report — July 22, 2026

South Carolina has long been known for its Southern charm, coastal beauty, and mild winters, but recent demographic shifts suggest the Palmetto State is becoming a serious contender for relocating families, retirees, and remote workers alike. With a population of just over 5.1 million, the state is growing steadily, and for good reason: a relatively low cost of living, a balanced housing market, and a job market that has shown resilience even in uncertain times.

At the heart of South Carolina’s appeal is affordability. The median home value sits at $216,200, well below the national average, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,065 per month. To put that in perspective, the state’s median household income is $63,623 per year, which translates to a monthly take-home of roughly $5,300. That means a typical one-bedroom apartment consumes about 20% of gross monthly income—a ratio that financial planners often consider comfortable. For comparison, in many coastal metros, that figure can easily exceed

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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 22, 2026.

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