By Lauren Ward

(Last Updated – November 4, 2024)

The cost of living in South Carolina is lower compared to many other parts of the country. It’s no wonder the state has one of the country’s highest influxes of new residents moving in. With coastal beaches in the east and mountain peaks in the west, South Carolina definitely has lots of reasons for its booming popularity. If you’re thinking about moving to South Carolina, find out what to expect for a variety of living costs.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in South Carolina?

Average Cost of Living in South Carolina: $46,220 per year

South Carolina is the 27th cheapest state to live in, according to Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC ) data gathered in 2024. It’s slightly less expensive than its neighbor North Carolina. On the MERIC index, 100 represents the average cost of living across the U.S.; South Carolina scores a 95.5, indicating it is below average.

The annual average cost of living in South Carolina is $46,220, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data from 2022. That comes to just over $3,851 per month and can be broken down into the following spending categories:

Housing Costs in South Carolina

Average Housing Costs in South Carolina: $1,008 to $1,864 per month

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina has over 2.4 million housing units as of 2023. And data from Zillow estimates the state’s typical home value to be just shy of $300,000 — so you likely won’t need a jumbo loan for buying a regular house in most parts of the state. But the amount you can expect to pay each month does vary depending on whether you purchase your property with a home loan or rent an apartment or house.

Here is what to expect in terms of housing cost of living in South Carolina per month, based on median prices for different living situations.

•  Studio rent: $1,017

•  1-bedroom rent: $1,008

•  2-bedroom rent: $1,018

•  3-bedroom rent: $1,134

•  4-bedroom rent: $1,376

•  5-bedroom rent: $1,864

•   Median gross rent: $1,084

Wondering how buying your first home in South Carolina stacks up against other areas? Here’s the typical home price in 10 major U.S. cities to see how the Palmetto State compares to the cost of living in other areas of the U.S. (Spoiler alert: South Carolina is the cheapest out of all these areas).

Utility Costs in South Carolina

Average Utility Costs in South Carolina: $383.87

When combined all together, utilities can account for a large percentage of your cost of living each month. Here’s how expenses break down for each category.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration , Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, 2022; Statista; DoxoInsights , U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report 2023; Rentcafe.com,What Is the Average Water Bill? June 2024.

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in South Carolina: $1,401 per month

How much can you expect to spend on food each month in South Carolina? Without counting going out to eat, the average family of four spends $1,401 each month, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Consequently, the average monthly expense for one person would be around $350 for food and groceries.

Grocery costs vary among individual communities in South Carolina. Here’s how four major population centers stack up against an index of 100. As noted above, the index is the state average; numbers over 100 are more expensive than other areas of the state, while lower scores are less expensive.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in South Carolina: $10,477 to $17,554 per year

Transportation is an important cost to factor into your budget, whether you live in one of South Carolina’s bigger cities like Charleston and Columbia, or in more rural areas like Calhoun and Greenville Counties. This 2024 data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator gives you a sense of average transportation costs each year based on family size.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in South Carolina: $6,677 per year

South Carolina residents can expect to pay $6,677 per person each year for health care costs. That’s nearly 20% lower than the national average of $8,331, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. When you’re looking at the best afforable places in the U.S., South Carolina definitely stands out for health care costs.

Here’s how annual medical expenses vary by family size, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in South Carolina: $741 to $1,138 more per month and per child

According to CostofChildCare.org , you can plan to pay anywhere between $741 and $1,138 per month for each child. Costs are highest for infants and tend to drop once your child is old enough to enter a toddler or preschool classroom. Home-based family care is the most expensive option after infant classroom care.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in South Carolina: 6.4%

Like slightly more than half the states, South Carolina has a graduated-rate income tax. The highest earners in the state pay 6.4% in income tax, according to the Tax Foundation . That tax rate is in addition to federal income tax.

For comparison, California has the highest state income tax bracket of 13.3%, while states such as Texas, Florida, and Nevada don’t have any income tax at all.

RecommendedP: Down Payment Assitance Programs

Miscellaneous Costs

Average Miscellaneous Costs in South Carolina: $24,932 per year

The Bureau of Economic Analysis places a nearly $25,000 price tag on “other personal expenditures” for South Carolinians. But that can vary a lot depending on your hobbies and interests. Hiking, for instance, is much cheaper than golfing.

Here are some example costs for popular attractions throughout the state of South Carolina (costs are as of September 2024):

•  Beach access: $0 when you go to one of the several free public beach parks in Hilton Head

•  A round of golf: Starts at $305 for a Sunday tee time at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort

•  Hiking around the Blue Ridge Mountains: Climb to the Blue Ridge Escarpment at Caesars Head State Park with trail access fees ranging from $1 to $3

•  White water rafting: A guided white water rafting tour starts at $59.95 per person.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in South Carolina?

The amount of money you need based on the cost of living in South Carolina depends on factors such as your lifestyle and family size. According to U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings , South Carolina ranks #21 for overall affordability and #23 for cost of living. That places it directly between Wisconsin and Michigan, so if you prefer milder weather, South Carolina is a solid bet for affordable living. Plus, the state is home to both the Atlantic Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll be conveniently situated for plenty of East Coast travel opportunities. Remember that if you might qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you may be eligible for special mortgage programs in the state.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in South Carolina?

The cost of living in South Carolina varies depending on what area you settle down in. Here are three of the more affordable areas that aren’t too rural, based on 2024 data from the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.

Aiken

Located in the western portion of the state, Aiken has a cost of living index score of just 83.7, making living expenses well below the national average. Although it’s considered a suburb of Augusta, there are lots of outdoors activities in Aiken, including Hitchcock Woods — one of the country’s largest urban forests.

Employment industries include energy, banking, transportation, and health care. Some of the largest employers in the area are Savannah Riversite, SRP Federal Credit Union, Bridgestone, UPS Customs Brokerage, and Medac.

According to Zillow, the average home value in Aiken is $258,917 and has increased almost 2% since the previous year.

Columbia

Centrally located in South Carolina, Columbia scores 92 on the cost of living index. The newly revitalized downtown area hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year and is home to the Soda City Market. As the state capital, the government is the city’s largest employer, followed by health and insurance companies, the University of South Carolina, and the U.S. Department of the Army.

This economic growth is reflected in growing property values. Columbia’s average home value is around $230,000, based on Zillow data. While that’s lower than Aiken, the annual increase is over 4%, indicating a strong potential for Columbia’s future growth in home values.

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Spartanburg

Spartanburg is another top affordable city, located in the state’s northwest corner with a cost of living index score of 92.1. While it’s just over an hour away from both Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina, there’s also plenty to do at home in Spartanburg. The BMW Zentrum Museum in nearby Greer is perfect for auto enthusiasts, while nature lovers will appreciate the trails at Croft State Park.

Major area employers include BMW Manufacturing Co., Clemson University, Greenville County Schools, and Michelin. Home values average $221,000 and have increased in recent months.

Helpful Resources for Future South Carolina Residents

By Kevin Brouillard

(Last Updated – November 4, 2024)

South Dakota is known for expansive landscapes, iconic Mount Rushmore, and small towns with a strong sense of community. Before relocating to the Great Plains, it’s worth asking “what’s the cost of living in South Dakota?” Read on for an in-depth look at the average cost of living in South Dakota to help determine if it’s the right move for you.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in South Dakota?

Average Cost of Living in South Dakota: $48,997 per year

Before you move to the Mount Rushmore State, consider how the cost of living will impact your monthly budget and personal finances.

According to MERIC’s 2024 Cost of Living Index , South Dakota has the 13th lowest cost of living in the country, with a cost of living index of 91.2 (on this scale 100 is the average U.S. cost of living). The cost of living in South Dakota is lower than that of five out of six of its neighboring states. If you need your budget to stretch a bit further, you can consider a move to Iowa, which borders South Dakota and is the 8th most affordable state in the U.S. But don’t be surprised to see South Dakota on any list of the best affordable places to live in the U.S.

So, what is the cost of living in South Dakota on average? According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average total personal consumption cost in South Dakota is $48,997 annually. Put another way, the average monthly expense for one person is $4,083 in South Dakota. Here’s a closer look at how that spending breaks down by category:

Housing Costs in South Dakota

Average Housing Costs in South Dakota: $507 to $1,557 per month

Housing costs in South Dakota are more affordable than the national average — good news if getting a home loan is on the horizon. South Dakota has just 417,220 housing units, according to the latest Census data, so the housing inventory isn’t the most extensive.

Buying your first home in South Dakota? Keep in mind that the typical home value in South Dakota is about $307,799, according to Zillow, so there are many properties you could choose that won’t require a jumbo loan. This is what you can expect to spend monthly if owning or renting:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,557

•  Median studio rent: $507

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $716

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $899

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,063

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,317

•   Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,110

•  Median gross rent: $866

Where you live in South Dakota can impact how much you’ll pay for housing costs and the type of mortgage loan that will best suit your needs. Let’s take a look at the average home values for some of South Dakota’s largest cities, according to Zillow data from June 2024. (Remember there are down payment assistance programs to help homebuyers who have difficulty coming up with funds to put money down on a property.)

Utility Costs in South Dakota

Average Utility Costs in South Dakota: $300 per month

What do you need to budget for utilities each month if you plan to live in South Dakota? Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly utility costs for South Dakotans.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, 2021; Inspirecleanenergy.com; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report 2022; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in South Dakota: $299 per month

How much you spend on food each month can depend on your dietary preferences, as well as where you live. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average cost of food per person is $3,592 per year. This comes out to about $299 per person, per month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research ranked the grocery costs in South Dakota’s main population centers from the first quarter of 2023 through the first quarter of 2024. Below are the grocery costs per location, ranked from lowest to highest.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in South Dakota: $10,920 for one adult

Between commuting to work, running errands, and trips to South Dakota’s beautiful national parks, transportation costs are something you’ll need to budget for.

How much you’ll spend on transportation will depend on where you live, your habits, and what your household looks like. To get a clearer picture of what you might spend on transportation costs in South Dakota, here are some estimates from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator , which uses data from the first quarter of 2024.

Recommended: 7 Ways to Save Money on Commuting to Work

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in South Dakota: $10,881 per person, per year

According to the BEA, South Dakotans spend an average of $10,881 per year on health care. What you actually spend will depend on your personal care needs and health coverage.

Average health care costs in South Dakota are on par with North Dakota, but higher than other neighboring states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in South Dakota: $810to $1,042 or more per child, per month

For families with kids, child care can be a significant expense. South Dakota residents who need support with child care costs can apply for state child care assistance programs .

For a better idea of how much you’ll pay for child care costs, use these average costs from CostofChildCare.org .

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in South Dakota: None

South Dakota residents do not pay any state income taxes, reports the Tax Foundation .

Miscellaneous Costs

Now that your essential expenses are covered, let’s have a look at what you can expect to budget for discretionary spending. According to the BEA, average personal expenditures amount to $26,090 per person, per year.

Here are some examples of what you might spend money on in South Dakota for fun and leisure.

•  Visit Mount Rushmore: $0-10 per vehicle, depending on age and military service

•  Enjoy family-friendly fun at the Reptile Gardens in Rapid City: $14-25 per person, depending on age and seasonality

•  Marvel at the unique works at Porter Sculpture Park: $0-10 per person, depending on age

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in South Dakota?

Whether you can enjoy a comfortable style of living in South Dakota will vary depending on your family’s needs and your chosen lifestyle, as well as where you live.

If you plan on living in South Dakota, you might be relieved to know it is more affordable than the average cost of livig in the U.S. In fact, South Dakota ranks 5th in the U.S. News & World Reports Affordability Rankings, which assesses the average cost of living against the average household wealth in each state.

As a reminder, MERIC ranked South Dakota 13th on its list of state’s average cost of living. Between both lists, South Dakota emerges as one of the more affordable places to live in the country.

What Major City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in South Dakota?

Although South Dakota is one of the most affordable states to live in, some cities offer a lower cost of living than others.

These are three of the least expensive cities in South Dakota according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index for quarter 1 of 2023 through quarter 1 of 2024.

Sioux Falls

Among the most affordable cities in South Dakota is Sioux Falls, which has a cost-of-living index score of 90.6. Sioux Falls has a population of 202,078, making it the most populous city in South Dakota. Situated on the Big Sioux River, the city has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. In terms of housing costs, Sioux Falls scored 86.9 on the housing cost index, so it’s a more competitive market for first-time home buyers. (Going through the mortgage preapproval process will help you figure out what your home buying budget should be.)

Pierre

With a cost-of-living index of 93.7, Pierre is another of South Dakota’s most affordable cities. Though it’s South Dakota’s capital city, Pierre has a population of just 14,091, making it the second-least populous capital in the U.S. Nestled on the Missouri River, Pierre offers a small town atmosphere and access to outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and boating.

Rapid City

Rapid City tied Pierre for second place with a matching cost-of-living index of 93.7. According to council data, housing costs measured out to 82.5 on the cost-of-living index, meaning that homeownership and renting here is more budget-friendly. Rapid City is home to a population of 79,404, making it South Dakota’s second largest city.

Recommended: Best Afforable Places to Live in South Dakota

Helpful Resources for Future South Dakota Residents

By Jamie Cattanach

(Last Updated – November 4, 2024)

Those who know North Dakota well know that it’s a hidden gem. No other state can boast an official nickname like the Peace Garden State — a sweetness compounded by the fact that North Dakota is the nation’s leading producer of honey. North Dakota stands apart when it comes to cost of living, too. This northern Great Plains state offers affordability coupled with a stunning rural landscape and a few metropolitan options, like Fargo and Bismarck. Below, a breakdown of specific costs related to living in North Dakota for your consideration.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in North Dakota?

Average Cost of Living in North Dakota: $52,631 per year

According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) , which publishes a quarterly cost-of-living index by state, the overall cost of living in North Dakota is just 91.3% of the U.S. average as of the second quarter of 2024.

While most of the Midwestern and Great Plains states enjoy a lower-than-average cost of living, North Dakota is less expensive than many of its neighbors, including Montana (where the cost of living is 94.7% of the U.S. average) and Minnesota (95.3%). South Dakota is just a smidge more affordable at 91.2% of the U.S. average.

The trend can also be seen in individual expense categories as outlined below. The government’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports that the average cost of living in North Dakota is $52,631. Compared to the U.S. averages, the BEA analysis shows that North Dakotans spend substantially less on housing, food, and energy costs — though the state’s average yearly health care cost is about $2,000 higher than the national figure.

Housing Costs in North Dakota

Average Housing Costs in North Dakota: $696 to $1,653 per month

The typical home value in North Dakota is about $265,368. Translation: Those looking to become first-time homeowners might do well to turn their attention to North Dakota. It’s a lot easier to save a down payment for a home that’s far less than the national average home value of around $360,000.

The state is equipped with 380,841 housing units, per the latest Census data, 63.2% of which are owner-occupied. That means about 140,149 rental units are available for those who aren’t yet ready to take out a .

Better yet, those rentals offer substantially more affordable rates than the U.S. average, where the median gross rent is $1,300. Here’s the breakdown based on home size:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,653

•  Studio rent: $696

•  1-bedroom rent: $725

•  2-bedroom rent: $870

•  3-bedroom rent: $1,138

•  4-bedroom rent: $1,182

•  5-bedroom rent: $1,272

•  Median gross rent: $863

While, of course, your specific housing costs will vary depending on where in the state you live, even in Bismarck, the state’s capital, average home prices substantially undercut the national median. Here are the costs you can expect in eight major North Dakota cities, whether you’re buying your first home or looking for a retirement spot.

Utility Costs in North Dakota

Average Utility Costs in North Dakota: $299 per month

Once you’ve got the housing bill paid, it’s time to make sure the lights are on and the water is flowing. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly utilities bill in North Dakota — though of course your mileage will vary depending on the size of your home, the number of people in your household, and your usage.

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in North Dakota: $306 per person, per month

North Dakotans spend an average of $3,676 each year on food, which breaks down to about $306 per month, per person. That means a family of four could expect to spend about $1,225 per month on groceries (with some wiggle room depending on the ages and appetites of your loved ones).

Of course, individual prices do vary a bit by city. Below, find the grocery item index costs for four major North Dakota population centers. (Note: Even Fargo, the state’s most metropolitan city with a population of over 133,000, enjoys a lower-than-national-average food cost.)

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in North Dakota: $10,769 to $18,044 per year

While North Dakota’s rolling plains and stunning hills are part of what make it such a dreamy place to live, the state’s rural sensibilities can also mean a lot of driving — which means higher transportation costs.

It’s hard to get around under that big, wide-open sky without a vehicle of your own, and costs like gas, insurance, and car payments can quickly add up. Obviously, families with children can expect to spend more than single adults or child-free couples. (Fortunately, all those drives are bound to be scenic.)

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in North Dakota: $10,494 per person, per year

North Dakotans can expect to spend about $10,494 per person, per year on healthcare related costs. That’s admittedly higher than the U.S. average of $8,331 — perhaps because a less populous state tends to have fewer available care providers, driving up demand and prices.

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Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in North Dakota: $677 to $1,140 or more per child, per month

Ask any parent and they’ll be quick to tell you: Child care isn’t cheap. Parents in North Dakota might expect to spend $819 per month on an in-home nanny, or $1,140 for infant child care in a classroom setting..

That said, these costs are still more affordable than in neighboring states. In Minnesota, for example, the infant classroom cost skyrockets to $1,658 per month, and home-based family child care is $1,239 per child on average. In Montana, too, prices are higher for every type of care except an infant classroom.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in North Dakota: 2.50%

One nice break North Dakotans can expect in April: The state boasts one of the lowest top marginal individual income tax rates in the country, topping out at just 2.50%. (Compare that, for example, to Kansas’s middle-of-the-road 5.70%, or California’s sky-high 13.30%.)

That said, South Dakota does have a one-up on its northerly neighbor in this regard: There’s no state income tax to speak of in Mount Rushmore’s homeland.

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Miscellaneous Costs

According to the BEA, after taking care of basic bills, the average North Dakotan spends about ​​$29,978 per year on other personal costs. Those might include:

•  An annual membership to the International Peace Garden (from which North Dakota gets its official state nickname): $50

•  A standard pass to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the whole family can see the buffalo roam: $30 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days

•  Admission to the Fargo Air Museum for a family of four (one three-year-old child and one seven-year-old): $40

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in North Dakota?

“Comfortable” is a spectrum, and different people have vastly differing ideas about what constitutes a comfortable life. That said, North Dakota ranks eighth in the nation in terms of affordability according to U.S. News & World Report, and 6th for cost of living by state specifically. So it’s certainly one of the best affordable places in the U.S. If you’re going to live in the United States, there aren’t too many other states in which it’s possible to do so more cheaply.

The BEA estimates North Dakotans’ annual total personal expenditures at around $52,631. That means if you earn the national median household income ($75,149), you should be in a fairly good position to live a comfortable life while still affording to save for future goals.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in North Dakota?

While North Dakota as a whole enjoys a lower cost of living than the U.S. average, some cities in the state are even more affordable than others. Of the metropolitan areas studied, our data shows that Minot enjoys the lowest cost of living, with an index of just 90.3% of the U.S. average.

A city of 48,377, Minot is located just northwest of the very center of the state, and is also home to an Air Force Base. As such, it’s also home to the Dakota Territory Air Museum as well as the Roosevelt Zoo, which is home to 90 species and more than 200 individual animals., Affordable picks in North Dakota are below:

Helpful Resources for Future North Dakota Residents