Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

South Carolina, with its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cities, offers a diverse range of living experiences. Landmarks such as Charleston's historic district, Myrtle Beach, and the Congaree National Park highlight the state's attractions. The state's economy is robust and diverse, driven by sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. South Carolina's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, South Carolina remains one of the more affordable states in the southeastern region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes South Carolina an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in South Carolina can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a crucial factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in South Carolina include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its natural beauty and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Homeland Park Population: 6,772 11% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $123,521 Med. Rent: $1,058 Med. Household Inc.: $41,048

With a cost of living index that is 11% cheaper than the state average, Homeland Park is the cheapest place to live in South Carolina. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Homeland Park provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Union Population: 7,981 9% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $145,355 Med. Rent: $1,096 Med. Household Inc.: $49,354

The second most affordable city in South Carolina is Union and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the South Carolina average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Chester Population: 5,556 9% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $119,210 Med. Rent: $900 Med. Household Inc.: $43,687

Chester lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in South Carolina, with a cost of living that is 9% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Parker Population: 12,654 8% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $146,409 Med. Rent: $1,236 Med. Household Inc.: $55,444

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Parker offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Lake City Population: 6,803 8% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $154,525 Med. Rent: $1,139 Med. Household Inc.: $55,728

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Lake City is ideal, with a cost of living that is 8% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the South Carolina average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Greenwood Population: 23,893 7% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $172,665 Med. Rent: $1,058 Med. Household Inc.: $49,849

Greenwood comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in South Carolina and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than South Carolina. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Abbeville Population: 5,193 7% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $172,754 Med. Rent: $1,058 Med. Household Inc.: $43,620

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Abbeville is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Marion Population: 6,768 7% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $190,372 Med. Rent: $847 Med. Household Inc.: $36,012

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Marion fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than South Carolina.

Laurens Population: 9,205 7% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $174,400 Med. Rent: $1,124 Med. Household Inc.: $61,761

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Laurens is one of the most affordable cities in South Carolina, and has a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than the state average.

Bennettsville Population: 8,213 7% cheaper than South Carolina average

Med. Home Value: $155,606 Med. Rent: $866 Med. Household Inc.: $43,575

With a cost of living that is 7% cheaper than South Carolina, Bennettsville comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in South Carolina

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Homeland Park	6,772	83	$123,521	$41,048
2	Union	7,981	84	$145,355	$49,354
3	Chester	5,556	84	$119,210	$43,687
4	Parker	12,654	85	$146,409	$55,444
5	Lake City	6,803	85	$154,525	$55,728
6	Greenwood	23,893	86	$172,665	$49,849
7	Abbeville	5,193	86	$172,754	$43,620
8	Marion	6,768	86	$190,372	$36,012
9	Laurens	9,205	86	$174,400	$61,761
10	Bennettsville	8,213	86	$155,606	$43,575
11	Belvedere	5,743	86	$188,138	$74,089
12	Walterboro	5,608	86	$204,493	$50,313
13	Gaffney	13,179	87	$189,256	$47,549
14	Batesburg-Leesville	5,630	87	$202,733	$75,162
15	Newberry	10,588	87	$182,925	$56,635
16	Orangeburg	13,075	88	$197,955	$42,544
17	Clinton	8,586	88	$204,482	$52,388
18	Darlington	6,123	88	$223,543	$44,780
19	Central	5,461	88	$206,494	$46,266
20	St. Andrews	22,188	88	$176,829	$55,741
21	Welcome	8,008	89	$209,132	$68,823
22	Gantt	15,043	90	$215,632	$57,037
23	Hartsville	7,799	90	$236,041	$54,052
24	Berea	15,623	90	$217,367	$55,805
25	Woodfield	9,709	91	$199,408	$59,501
26	Dillon	6,529	91	$220,255	$59,784
27	Anderson	27,956	91	$241,874	$49,236
28	Sans Souci	9,087	91	$228,103	$55,253
29	Cheraw	5,715	91	$206,312	$38,161
30	Red Bank	10,356	91	$228,610	$82,412
31	Piedmont	6,336	91	$232,455	$77,021
32	Spartanburg	38,808	91	$241,634	$64,006
33	Sumter	40,739	92	$237,751	$61,655
34	Dentsville	16,145	92	$226,650	$53,647
35	Seneca	8,653	92	$296,844	$63,924
36	Cayce	14,389	93	$227,827	$77,173
37	Valley Falls	7,507	93	$284,638	$58,343
38	Lugoff	9,454	93	$286,570	$88,387
39	Centerville	7,025	93	$279,754	$79,571
40	Georgetown	9,156	93	$291,127	$56,419
41	Oak Grove	12,504	93	$244,503	$85,887
42	Fountain Inn	10,371	93	$287,718	$98,377
43	Florence	39,448	94	$281,536	$75,854
44	York	8,583	94	$259,478	$63,111
45	Burton	9,109	94	$220,467	$77,361
46	Conway	25,463	95	$303,864	$63,984
47	North Augusta	24,271	95	$310,839	$93,204
48	West Columbia	18,344	95	$287,222	$66,563
49	Camden	7,468	95	$320,539	$72,005
50	Easley	21,688	95	$319,669	$84,060

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.