The Most Affordable Cities in South Carolina (2026)

Ranked by cost index: the average of renting, buying, goods, and services compared to the national average (100). All data from Census ACS 2024 and BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.

1

Columbia

83.7

Rent: $1,249/mo · Homes: $287,600 · Income: $55,233

Up to 6.2% · Sales tax: 8.0%

2

Greenville

102.3

Rent: $1,404/mo · Homes: $553,700 · Income: $81,573

Up to 6.2% · Sales tax: 7.0%

3

Charleston

125.5

Rent: $1,887/mo · Homes: $600,300 · Income: $98,085

Up to 6.2% · Sales tax: 9.0%

Sources: Rent and home prices from Census ACS 2024. Goods and services from BEA Regional Price Parities 2023. Tax rates from Tax Foundation.