The median home price in South Carolina is $372,700, which has increased by 6.5% since the last year. The South Carolina housing market has witnessed a 16.9% year-over-year growth in the number of homes listed. With a 5-month supply left, you will get your choice of house with the seller being more willing to negotiate.
As per our research, home prices are relatively higher in coastal areas near Charleston, SC. On the other hand, as you move towards the inland areas of the Palmetto State, like Gaffney, you can find cheaper housing options.
4 Reasons to live in South Carolina ⛳
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in South Carolina is ~$372K but you can get houses between $80K and $162K in cities like Dillion, Orangeburg, and Newberry.
- Tax Benefits: Residents over the age of 65 can benefit from a $15,000 income tax deduction, applicable to all forms of retirement income.
- Affordable Healthcare: Healthcare in cities that are listed below is up to 6% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the national average. You can save up to $700 per month in rent.
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
View 22,333 Homes For Sale in South Carolina
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon | $42,454 | $80,129 | 6,354 | 4.1% | 30.3% |
| Bennettsville | $37,891 | $81,484 | 6,654 | 6.3% | 27.1% |
| Union | $32,548 | $111,826 | 7,939 | 3.8% | 25.4% |
| Orangeburg | $41,020 | $147,581 | 12,480 | 4.4% | 24.6% |
| Laurens | $52,077 | $151,740 | 9,393 | 3.2% | 18.0% |
| Newberry | $47,565 | $160,223 | 10,726 | 2/9% | 26.7% |
| Gaffney | $38,059 | $161,808 | 12,454 | 4.4% | 23.1% |
7 Cheapest Places to Live in SC
The annual population growth of 14% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to South Carolina. If you’re considering shifting to the Palmetto State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
1. Dillon
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 28.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $80,129 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $750 |
| 🌅 Known For | Dillon County Courthouse |
Dillon is an affordable place to live in South Carolina. Its median house rent ranges from $275 – $900. It also offers affordable grocery which is 8.7% lower than the national average.
Dillon provides recreational options such as golf and is home to various attractions like Little Pee Dee State Park and South of the Border. This contributes to the city’s reputation as a noteworthy destination in South Carolina.
» Homes for Sale in Dillon, SC: Find your dream home in the Golden Land.
2. Bennettsville
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 30.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $81,484 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $650 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Agricultural Communities |
Bennettsville is one of the most budget-friendly rental destinations in South Carolina with an average home rent of $900 – $950. It also offers affordable transportation which is 33.1% lower than the national average.
Bennettsville is a great place for people looking to buy a home. The city is a haven for agriculture and fishing delights.
» Homes for Sale in Bennettsville, SC: Browse thousands of property listings in this city.
3. Union
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 29%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $111,826 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $600 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Textile Industry |
With rental costs below the national average, Union stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in South Carolina. The house rent price is between $300 – $1,695.
Places like Sumter National Forest and the Union County Museum make Union a charming place to live. The region also boasts a high quality of life, with inviting communities and a wealth of cultural diversity.
» Homes for Sale in Union, SC: View all the properties for sale in this city.
4. Orangeburg
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $147,581 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $950 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Edisto Memorial Gardens |
Orangeburg offers budget-friendly living with a median rent that is $1,050 lower than the national median. Moreover, the healthcare costs are 5.9% below the national average in the city.
Orangeburg is a great place due to attractions like Edisto Memorial Gardens, holding events year-round. It’s near the budget-friendly capital, making it an excellent choice.
» Homes for Sale in Orangeburg, SC: Browse through thousands of affordable properties in the Garden City.
5. Laurens
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 23%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $151,740 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,175 |
| 🎨 Known For | Eclectic Architecture |
Also known as ‘Laurensville,’ Laurens’ cost of living is 23% lower than the national average. The average grocery expenses are 2.6% lower than the national average.
Laurens’ affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in the US.
» Homes for Sale in Laurens, SC: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Newberry
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $160,223 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,275 |
| 🏫 Known For | Mining |
The house rent in Newberry is between $850 – $2,200. With an average household income of $47,533, you can comfortably live in this city.
Situated in the Piedmont region, Newberry enjoys a convenient location just 43 miles northwest of Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina. The city also boasts many parks like Lynch’s Woods Park and Mollohon Park which offer various opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure.
» Homes for Sale in Newberry, SC: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina.
7. Gaffney
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 27.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $161,808 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $995 |
| 🖼️ Known For | The Peachoid |
Gaffney is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. The monthly expenditure on health, food, and transportation per month is 22% to 34% below the national average. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly options across the country.
Gaffney is known as the hidden gem of South Carolina. The city is known for great employee benefits, affordable living, and opportunities to invest in real estate. This makes it a great choice for real estate investors.
» Homes for Sale in Gaffney, SC: Get yourself a home in the Peach Capital of South Carolina.
- 🏡 Do You Need Professional Assistance While Buying a Home?
Look no further! You can access a network of top real estate professionals through Houzeo Pros. They will cater to all your needs and requirements.
The Bottom Line
The cost of living in South Carolina is 6% lower than the national average. Nevertheless, it is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to South Carolina, you can find affordable housing in cities like Dillon, Bennettsville, and Union.
Cities like Newberry and Gaffney have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
Find Homes for Sale in SC Under Your Specific Budget
Find an Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in South Carolina on Houzeo.
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
Find Your Dream Home 🏡
View 22,333 Homes For Sale in South Carolina
1st item
2nd item
3rd item
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in South Carolina, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, Zillow and Best Places.
FAQs
Which is the cheapest place to live in South Carolina?
The cheapest place to live in South Carolina is Dillon.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina: Find out the other cheapest places to live in South Carolina!
Where is the best place to live in South Carolina?
The best place to live in South Carolina is Charleston, followed by Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, and Rock Hill.
Is South Carolina the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $372,700. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
.webp)
