Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025
(Last Updated – 03/2025)
Located on the southeast coast, South Carolina offers a mild climate and charming historical towns that draw crowds of urbanites looking for better quality of life. The state is home to many respected universities, including Clemson, The Citadel (The Military College of South Carolina), and the University of South Carolina. Residents who enjoy outdoor activities have everything from subtropical beaches to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the “Upstate” region. The cost of living is lower than the national average, as are housing costs.
Best Places to Live in South Carolina
South Carolina offers many beautiful cities and towns that combine old-world charm with modern buildings and public spaces. The cost of living in South Carolina is reasonable, and affordable neighborhoods abound in the suburbs of inland cities such as Spartanburg and Batesburg-Leesville. Beach lovers often gravitate to Myrtle Beach, whereas culture buffs appreciate the history and amenities of Fountain Inn.
Make sure you look into first-time homebuyer programs in South Carolina to see how you can save money. And if you’re a newbie homebuyer, use our first-time homebuyer guide to learn more about the process before you start shopping.
💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.
Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina
Now, come see where some of the best deals are if you are thinking of settling down in South Carolina.
1. Spartanburg
Photo credit: iStock/Kruck20
Spartanburg offers a wealth of arts and cultural amenities, as well as proximity to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Several colleges and universities are located in the area, and the city is known for its family-friendly vibe.
Population: 39,040
Median Household Income: $51,193
Cost of Living: 90
Average Rent Price: $1,470
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.25
2. Fountain Inn
A former stagecoach stop, the Fountain Inn area is best known for historical buildings and a meandering waterfall in Cedar Falls Park. The town’s proximity to Greenville and Columbia makes it a good option for those looking to commute to these urban areas for work. Recent renovations to its downtown promise a good balance of preservation and growth.
Population: 13,027
Median Household Income: $72,021
Cost of Living: 91.3
Average Rent Price: $1,880
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.06
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3. Batesburg-Leesville
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/
Bill Fitzpatrick , Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
This town is less than an hour from Columbia, the state capital, making it a great commuter area for those who prefer to reside outside a city. Camping and golfing are just two of the area’s outdoor activities. Families are drawn to Batesburg-Leesville’s strong options for public and private schools.
Population: 5,297
Median Household Income: $53,102
Cost of Living: 90.4
Average Rent Price: $1,151
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 2.85
Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Families
Families looking for good schools and easy access to shopping, dining, and activities for the kids may find these three South Carolina cities are a good fit.
1. Fort Mill
Close to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Fort Mill offers a good balance of city conveniences and suburban hush. Parents will appreciate the area’s many top-rated schools, while kids will be delighted by the expansive nature preserves, minor league basketball team, and Carowinds amusement park.
Population: 33,626
Median Household Income: $127,537
Cost of Living: 100.4
Average Rent Price: $2,039
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.05
2. Summerville
Photo credit: iStock/benedek
In the 1800s, Summerville’s mild, dry climate attracted visitors looking to improve their health. Today, the town offers families — who make up just over half of all residents — walkable communities and pine-scented parks near the water. Those who intend to commute to Charleston for work can do so easily; Summerville is close to Interstate 95 and other major roadways.
Population: 51,884
Median Household Income: $78,621
Cost of Living: 98.2
Average Rent Price: $2,250
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.83
3. Greenville
Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone
Located “upstate” near the North Carolina border, Greenville has a bustling downtown area with many family-friendly restaurants, breweries, and shops. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and walking on the 20-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, which hosts an annual half marathon.
Population: 72,824
Median Household Income: $68,460
Cost of Living: 90.7
Average Rent Price: $1,750
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.50
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Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Young Adults
1. Columbia
Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone
The capital city has much to draw young professionals, from job opportunities to post-work entertainment. You’ll find music venues, an opera house, a philharmonic orchestra, and a number of museums. The Congaree Vista, formerly a warehouse district, has been revitalized with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Population: 142,416
Median Household Income: $55,653
Cost of Living: 94.4
Average Rent Price: $1,550
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.09
2. Socastee
Considered a suburb of Myrtle Beach, Socastee offers affordable housing and wild outdoor settings. The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the city, making the area a destination for water sports enthusiasts, and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge draws hunters, fishers, and photographers to its wetlands. Downtown, you’ll find a wealth of casual restaurants and bars.
Population: 22,213
Median Household Income: $59,826
Cost of Living: 90.4
Average Rent Price: 1,584
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.10
3. Greenville
Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone
Greenville has everything young adults could want, from jobs with high-profile companies to a great bar scene and outdoor activities galore. The median age in Greenville is currently 35. The city is around 60% white collar residents, with an average salary of approximately $85,000 for those who hold graduate degrees. Much of the action can be found on Main Street, but hotspots are popping up in less commercial areas all the time.
Population: 72,310
Median Household Income: $60,388
Cost of Living: 90.7
Median Rent Price: $1,750
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.10
💡 Quick Tip: Your parents or grandparents probably got mortgages for 30 years. But these days, you can get them for 20, 15, or 10 years — and pay less interest over the life of the loan.
Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Retirees
If you want a gentle pace of life but with lots of activities and natural beauty, check out these options:
1. Murrells Inlet
Photo credit: iStock/digidreamgrafix
Murrells Inlet is several miles from Myrtle Beach, so retirees can enjoy the Coastal Grandma lifestyle without the attendant tourists. This quiet community also has some of the best seafood in the state and several assisted living facilities.
Population: 9,740
Median Household Income: $75,438
Cost of Living: 94.7
Average Rent Price: $1,800
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.03
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2. Anderson
Population: 29,980
Median Household Income: $44,321
Cost of Living: 90.7
Average Rent Price: $1,450
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.76
3. Little River
Another suburb of Myrtle Beach, Little River is a quiet town that hosts many retirees. The picturesque fishing community is the oldest of the 14 villages along the Grand Strand. Thanks to a cluster of restaurants and shops on the riverfront — the Little River serves as a natural border between North and South Carolina — residents can stay local or drive over the bridge to Myrtle Beach for more action.
Population: 11,711
Median Household Income: $64,590
Average Rent Price: $1,747
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.66
Best Places to Live in South Carolina Near the Beach
Ready for some sand between your toes and amazing views of the water? Consider these three towns in South Carolina:
1. Myrtle Beach
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
One of the best known beach areas in the south, Myrtle Beach has a lot to offer. Its best-of-both-worlds location means you’re near amenities like dinner theater and museums but just a short drive from quieter neighborhoods and natural settings (and golf!). A popular resort area, the coast features classic attractions like a boardwalk, aquarium, arcades, an amusement park, and a famous Ferris wheel.
Population: 39,697
Median Household Income: $53,679
Cost of Living: 90.4
Average Rent Price: $1,872
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.58
2. Beaufort
Photo credit: iStock/Marcopolo74
Situated close to the Georgia border, Beaufort is a small town near the beach offering many restaurants and shopping options in the downtown area. You’ll find festivals and cultural events throughout the year, and families appreciate the highly rated public and private schools.
Population: 13,850
Median Household Income: $59,454
Cost of Living: 104.3
Average Rent Price: $2,100
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 6.60
3. Murrells Inlet
Photo credit: iStock/digidreamgrafix
Torn between the beach and the inland countryside? This small coastal town has a decidedly rural feel. Plus, Murrells Inlet sits between urban Myrtle Beach and Georgetown, providing stimulating day trips. If your interests lean toward sunset cruises and walking trails, however, you may never feel the need to leave this town.
Population: 9,740
Median Household Income: $75,438
Cost of Living: 94.7
Average Rent Price: $1,800
Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.03
The Takeaway
From small coastal towns to urban cultural centers, South Carolina has a wealth of history, culture, and natural wonders. In the north you’ll find the Grand Strand, 60 miles of beaches that end at Myrtle Beach. If Southern hospitality, comfort food, and slow living are up your alley, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in the Palmetto state.
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FAQ
Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in South Carolina?
Some of the cheapest and quietest places to live in South Carolina include Fountain Inn and Little River.
Where is the nicest place to live in South Carolina?
While of course this is a subjective topic, some of the nicest places to live in South Carolina include the towns and suburbs of Myrtle Beach, for its natural beauty among other features, and Columbia, the state capital, for its thriving cultural attractions.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in South Carolina?
The amount of money you’ll need depends on where you live in South Carolina. However, most areas in the state have a lower cost of living compared to national figures.
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