Best Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina in 2026
(Last Updated – 08/2026)
Located on the southeast coast, South Carolina offers a mild climate and charming historical towns that draw crowds of urbanites looking for a 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 generally 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 find out where some of the best deals are if you’re 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: 39,978
Median Household Income: $51,964
Cost of Living: 90% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,395
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.55
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: 14,722
Median Household Income: $73,585
Cost of Living: 95% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,830
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.25
Recommended: Tips to Qualify for a Mortgage
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 often drawn to Batesburg-Leesville’s strong options for public and private schools.
Population: 5,345
Median Household Income: $49,646
Cost of Living: 90% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,150
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 3.75
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 may 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: 38,673
Median Household Income: $121,823
Cost of Living: 94% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,200
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.33
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 well 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: 53,177
Median Household Income: $81,046
Cost of Living: 93% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,350
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.73
3. Greenville
Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone
Located in the Upstate area 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: 75,310
Median Household Income: $71,472
Cost of Living: 91% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,800
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.63
Recommended: Refinance Your Mortgage and Save
Best Places to Live in South Carolina for Young Adults
South Carolina offers its fair share of affordable options for up-and-comers in search of careers and an active social life after work. Here are our top picks.
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: 147,035
Median Household Income: $55,529
Cost of Living: 90% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,550
Home Value-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: 23,796
Median Household Income: $62,257
Cost of Living: 97% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,584
Home Value-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 about 36. The city’s workforce is around 73% white-collar workers. Much of the action can be found on Main Street, but hotspots are popping up in less commercial areas all the time.
Population: 75,310
Median Household Income: $71,472
Cost of Living: 91% of the U.S. average
Median Rent Price: $1,800
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.63
💡 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: 10,044
Median Household Income: $77,438
Cost of Living: 96% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,950
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.15
Recommended: Best States to Retire in for Taxes
2. Anderson
Anderson is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the northwest part of the state. It earned the nickname the “Electric City” for its pioneering use of hydroelectric power. Anderson offers many cultural attractions and top-notch medical facilities as well as the popular Anderson County Senior Citizens Program, with its recreational and fellowship offerings.
Population: 31,323
Median Household Income: $46,933
Cost of Living: 88% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,395
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.86
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: 11,771
Median Household Income: $65,786
Cost of Living: 95% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,599
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.88
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: 40,937
Median Household Income: $60,394
Cost of Living: 94% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,709
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.35
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 its downtown area. You’ll find festivals and cultural events here throughout the year, and families appreciate the highly rated public and private schools.
Population: 15,775
Median Household Income: $61,220
Cost of Living: 101% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,950
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 6.81
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: 10,044
Median Household Income: $77,438
Cost of Living: 96% of the U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,950
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.15
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 discover plenty to appreciate in the Palmetto state.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
Browse Other States
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 the 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.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Qualifying for the reward requires using a real estate agent that participates in HomeStory’s broker to broker agreement to complete the real estate buy and/or sell transaction. You retain the right to negotiate buyer and or seller representation agreements. Upon successful close of the transaction, the Real Estate Agent pays a fee to HomeStory Real Estate Services. All Agents have been independently vetted by HomeStory to meet performance expectations required to participate in the program. If you are currently working with a REALTOR®, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS®. A reward is not available where prohibited by state law, including Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana and Missouri. A reduced agent commission may be available for sellers in lieu of the reward in Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Oregon and should be discussed with the agent upon enrollment. No reward will be available for buyers in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Oregon. A commission credit may be available for buyers in lieu of the reward in New Jersey and must be discussed with the agent upon enrollment and included in a Buyer Agency Agreement with Rebate Provision. Rewards in Kansas and Tennessee are required to be delivered by gift card.
HomeStory will issue the reward using the payment option you select and will be sent to the client enrolled in the program within 45 days of HomeStory Real Estate Services receipt of settlement statements and any other documentation reasonably required to calculate the applicable reward amount. Real estate agent fees and commissions still apply. Short sale transactions do not qualify for the reward. Depending on state regulations highlighted above, reward amount is based on sale price of the home purchased and/or sold and cannot exceed $9,500 per buy or sell transaction. Employer-sponsored relocations may preclude participation in the reward program offering. SoFi is not responsible for the reward.
SoFi Bank, N.A. (NMLS #696891) does not perform any activity that is or could be construed as unlicensed real estate activity, and SoFi is not licensed as a real estate broker. Agents of SoFi are not authorized to perform real estate activity.
If your property is currently listed with a REALTOR®, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS®.
Reward is valid for 18 months from date of enrollment. After 18 months, you must re-enroll to be eligible for a reward.
SoFi loans subject to credit approval. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.
The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.
SOHL-Q226-248