Most Expensive Places to Live in South Carolina in 2026

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Rankings: 10 Most Expensive Places in South Carolina

Sullivan's Island

How do you rate Sullivan's Island?

Large beach homes, walkability, and quick access to Charleston make Sullivan's Island one of the nicest places in South Carolina for luxury coastal living. It offers an interesting blend of history and some of the finest beachfron...

78/100

Safety Score

Why is Sullivan's Island safe?

Personal Safety : 80

Personal Safety: 80/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 65

Property Safety: 65/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

55%

Motor Vehicle Theft

50%

Arson

Theft From Building

100%

Community Safety : 40

Community Safety: 40/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

37.5%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

62.5%

Weapon Law Violations

100%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

33.33%

Home Prices in Sullivan's Island

$5,867,873

Median Home Rent

$10,500

Homes for Sale in Sullivan's Island Link

(View 25 homes)

Kiawah Island

How do you rate Kiawah Island?

Kiawah Island is considered to be one of the most prestigious beach communities in South Carolina. This private barrier island sits about 25 miles from Charleston and attracts CEOs, pro golfers, and wealthy home buyers. The exclus...

40/100

Safety Score

Why is Kiawah Island safe?

Personal Safety : 20

Personal Safety: 20/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

14.29%

Robbery

46.15%

Aggravated Assault

125

0.79%

Kidnapping / Abduction

25%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

104

23.81%

Larceny

402

28.21%

Motor Vehicle Theft

21.1%

Arson

25%

Theft From Building

24.1%

Community Safety : 0

Community Safety: 0/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

395

28.83%

Stolen Property Offenses

84.91%

Vandalism

231

29.14%

Weapon Law Violations

83.95%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

83.23%

Home Prices in Kiawah Island

$1,737,500

Median Home Rent

$4,895

Homes for Sale in Kiawah Island Link

(View 36 homes)

Isle of Palms

How do you rate Isle of Palms?

The Isle of Palms is located along the Atlantic coast of South Carolina. It offers expansive sandy beaches, luxurious vacation homes, and a vibrant boating community. Wild Dunes Resort plays a big role in the island's upscale imag...

62/100

Safety Score

Why is Isle of Palms safe?

Personal Safety : 43

Personal Safety: 43/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

50%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

66.67%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 73

Property Safety: 73/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

Larceny

34.62%

Motor Vehicle Theft

25%

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 18

Community Safety: 18/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

3.12%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

10.53%

Weapon Law Violations

22.22%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

138

35.21%

Home Prices in Isle of Palms

$1,475,000

Median Home Rent

$8,000

Homes for Sale in Isle of Palms Link

(View 95 homes)

Pawleys Island

How do you rate Pawleys Island?

One of the ancient seaside towns on the eastern coast of America maintains its traditional coastal charm. Hammocks, seafood eateries, salt marshes, and golf courses define the lifestyle in Pawleys Island. Unlike other major beach ...

91/100

Safety Score

Why is Pawleys Island safe?

Personal Safety : 100

Personal Safety: 100/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 40

Property Safety: 40/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

100%

Larceny

80%

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

Theft From Building

Community Safety : 83

Community Safety: 83/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

Weapon Law Violations

Drug / Narcotic Violations

50%

Home Prices in Pawleys Island

$1,250,000

Median Home Rent

$2,100

Homes for Sale in Pawleys Island Link

(View 239 homes)

Folly Beach

How do you rate Folly Beach?

Compared to other coastal regions of South Carolina, Folly Beach offers a relaxed and surfer town vibe. Residents spend weekends fishing from the Folly Beach Pier, kayaking through marshes, or enjoying live music. A few people als...

65/100

Safety Score

Why is Folly Beach safe?

Personal Safety : 48

Personal Safety: 48/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

75%

Robbery

100%

Aggravated Assault

33.33%

Kidnapping / Abduction

Property Safety : 20

Property Safety: 20/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

66.67%

Larceny

47.22%

Motor Vehicle Theft

200%

Arson

Theft From Building

25%

Community Safety : 58

Community Safety: 58/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

84.62%

Stolen Property Offenses

Vandalism

75%

Weapon Law Violations

50%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

60%

Home Prices in Folly Beach

$1,098,950

Median Home Rent

$4,500

Homes for Sale in Folly Beach Link

(View 74 homes)

Seabrook Island

How do you rate Seabrook Island?

Seabrook Island consists of a privately gated community with private beaches, golf courses, and various outdoor activities. The amenities include horseback riding on the beach, tennis courts, boat harbors, and cycling trails withi...

40/100

Safety Score

Why is Seabrook Island safe?

Personal Safety : 20

Personal Safety: 20/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

14.29%

Robbery

46.15%

Aggravated Assault

125

0.79%

Kidnapping / Abduction

25%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

104

23.81%

Larceny

402

28.21%

Motor Vehicle Theft

21.1%

Arson

25%

Theft From Building

24.1%

Community Safety : 0

Community Safety: 0/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

395

28.83%

Stolen Property Offenses

84.91%

Vandalism

231

29.14%

Weapon Law Violations

83.95%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

83.23%

Home Prices in Seabrook Island

$1,075,000

Median Home Rent

$3,195

Homes for Sale in Seabrook Island Link

(View 79 homes)

Mount Pleasant

How do you rate Mount Pleasant?

Just outside of Charleston, on the other side of the Ravenel Bridge, sits Mount Pleasant. It combines a suburban feel with quick access to the coast. Shem Creek is a local favorite for waterfront dining, paddleboarding, and shrimp...

74/100

Safety Score

Why is Mount Pleasant safe?

Personal Safety : 86

Personal Safety: 86/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

Rape

20%

Robbery

57.14%

Aggravated Assault

104

16.85%

Kidnapping / Abduction

100%

Property Safety : 60

Property Safety: 60/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

16.67%

Larceny

828

14.46%

Motor Vehicle Theft

7.04%

Arson

133.33%

Theft From Building

20.59%

Community Safety : 65

Community Safety: 65/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

438

19.04%

Stolen Property Offenses

50%

Vandalism

17.19%

Weapon Law Violations

45.83%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

414

23.58%

Home Prices in Mount Pleasant

$880,000

Median Home Rent

$3,350

Homes for Sale in Mount Pleasant Link

(View 494 homes)

Hilton Head Island

How do you rate Hilton Head Island?

This is one of the best-known luxurious beach destinations in the Southeastern region. The island is quite popular for its golf neighborhoods, bicycle-friendly roads, marinas, and 12-mile stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Oc...

18/100

Safety Score

Why is Hilton Head Island safe?

Personal Safety : 10

Personal Safety: 10/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

71.43%

Rape

36.84%

Robbery

23.81%

Aggravated Assault

183

49.17%

Kidnapping / Abduction

12.5%

Property Safety : 9

Property Safety: 9/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

58.11%

Larceny

740

42.28%

Motor Vehicle Theft

47.74%

Arson

30%

Theft From Building

104

47.21%

Community Safety : 12

Community Safety: 12/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

720

44.57%

Stolen Property Offenses

12.5%

Vandalism

293

37.66%

Weapon Law Violations

31.94%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

548

15.3%

Home Prices in Hilton Head Island

$801,250

Median Home Rent

$3,200

Homes for Sale in Hilton Head Island Link

(View 19 homes)

Hollywood

How do you rate Hollywood?

Hollywood offers a very different side of luxury living in South Carolina. Instead of crowded beach districts, this Charleston County town is known for horse farms, large private properties, and open marshland views. Many people m...

33/100

Safety Score

Why is Hollywood safe?

Personal Safety : 20

Personal Safety: 20/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

14.29%

Robbery

46.15%

Aggravated Assault

125

0.79%

Kidnapping / Abduction

25%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

104

23.81%

Larceny

402

28.21%

Motor Vehicle Theft

21.1%

Arson

25%

Theft From Building

24.1%

Community Safety : 0

Community Safety: 0/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

395

28.83%

Stolen Property Offenses

84.91%

Vandalism

231

29.14%

Weapon Law Violations

83.95%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

83.23%

Home Prices in Hollywood

$659,950

Median Home Rent

$2,100

Homes for Sale in Hollywood Link

(View 97 homes)

#10

James Island

How do you rate James Island?

James Island sits just outside Charleston and provides a mix of historic neighborhoods, coastal communities, and quick access to Folly Beach. The area appeals to homebuyers who seek more living space while remaining near the dinin...

28/100

Safety Score

Why is James Island safe?

Personal Safety : 21

Personal Safety: 21/100

based on following Violent Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Homicide

100%

Rape

14.29%

Robbery

46.15%

Aggravated Assault

125

0.79%

Kidnapping / Abduction

25%

Property Safety : 0

Property Safety: 0/100

based on following Property Crimes

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Burglary

104

23.81%

Larceny

402

28.21%

Motor Vehicle Theft

21.1%

Arson

25%

Theft From Building

24.1%

Community Safety : 6

Community Safety: 6/100

based on following Other Offenses

Crime Type

Incidents

YoY Change (%)

Simple Assault

395

28.83%

Stolen Property Offenses

84.91%

Vandalism

231

29.14%

Weapon Law Violations

83.95%

Drug / Narcotic Violations

83.23%

Home Prices in James Island

$615,000

Median Home Rent

$2,650

Homes for Sale in James Island Link

(View 49 homes)

Your New Home is Waiting for You in South Carolina

Best Expensive Places to Retire in South Carolina

South Carolina continues to be an amazing place for retirees looking for coastal living, warmer weather, and a slower daily routine. Some cities come with higher home prices, but strong healthcare access, peaceful neighborhoods, and active retirement communities bring beauty to the location. Here are the top-most expensive places to live in South Carolina for retirees:

Hilton Head Island - Hilton Head Island continues to be considered one of the most desirable and costly places for retired people in South Carolina. The reason for its high value is the coastal atmosphere and the availability of health services. Hilton Head Regional Healthcare and nearby Beaufort Memorial facilities provide cardiology, orthopedic, and senior-focused care close to home. Places such as Sea Pines and Palmetto Dunes provide golfing, hiking opportunities, and secure communities. It also offers beachfronts that make the retired life healthy and active on the island. All these attractions increase home prices in the town. This makes Hilton Head Island one of the cities with the most expensive homes in South Carolina.
Mount Pleasant - Retirees who wish to enjoy a blend of seaside lifestyle and urban convenience will find Mount Pleasant quite comfortable. Located on the outskirts of Charleston, the town provides easy access to MUSC Health and other prominent healthcare centers. Neighborhoods like Old Village and Dunes West offer quiet streets, waterways, and neighborhood-centric living. The growing interest in the Mount Pleasant housing market and rising property demand have made it one of the wealthiest towns in South Carolina for retirees.
Greenville - Greenville has emerged as a highly desirable retirement destination in the state. It is because of the city's healthcare system, pedestrian-friendly downtown area, and increasing cultural amenities. Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis provide advanced medical care and specialized senior services close to residential areas. Falls Park on the Reedy and the downtown riverwalk help retirees stay socially active without depending heavily on long commutes. Growing demand has placed Greenville among the highest cost-of-living cities in South Carolina, especially for retirees seeking comfort and convenience.

Top 3 Most Expensive South Carolina Cities Worth It for Families

Families searching for a long-term home in South Carolina usually focus on strong schools, safer neighborhoods, and stable job access more than just beach living. Some cities continue to stand out because they balance family-friendly infrastructure with growing economic opportunities. Here are the South Carolina cities where many families feel the higher housing prices are worth it:

Charleston - It remains one of the most desirable and wealthiest cities in South Carolina for families. The Charleston housing market continues to attract buyers looking for long-term value. The city offers a strong job market, historic neighborhoods, and access to highly rated schools. Some of the best locations include Daniel Island, West Ashley, and James Island, which feature parks and walking paths within walking distance. People are searching largely for homes for sale in Charleston as major employers in healthcare, tech, shipping, and tourism continue to attract them. Due to high demand, Charleston has become the city with the most expensive homes in South Carolina.
Fort Mill - The town is emerging very fast as one of the rapidly growing family destinations located near the North Carolina border. The Fort Mill School District continues to attract many parents in search of better education. People are also making a move to Fort Mill to have a secure suburban area to live in. The city's close connection to Charlotte gives residents access to major banking, healthcare, and demanding corporate jobs. Whenever the topic is about the highest cost-of-living cities in South Carolina, Fort Mill is always mentioned.
Greenville - Greenville provides its residents with the perfect combination of development, good schools, and nature-based amenities. Neighborhoods like Augusta Road and Hollingsworth Park offer quiet streets and plenty of green space. Families also get newer homes with easy access to Downtown Greenville, which continues to increase interest in homes for sale in Greenville. Falls Park, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and family-focused events make the city attractive for long-term living. Growing demand has steadily moved this city into the category of the most expensive places to live in South Carolina. For families looking for quality infrastructure and convenience, Greenville remains an ideal choice.

Top 3 Most Expensive Cities Worth It for Young Adults

Affordability is not the main concern for the young adults moving to South Carolina. They want more than just affordable living. Career growth, nightlife, walkability, and social opportunities often matter just as much as housing. Here are the South Carolina cities where many young professionals feel the higher costs are worth it:

Charleston - The main reason young adults find Charleston an attractive destination is the rising number of opportunities for jobs in IT, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics sectors. Neighborhoods such as Upper King Street, Cannonborough-Elliotborough, and North Charleston provide dining venues, rooftop lounges, coworking centers, and nightlife areas. Apart from these amenities, there is a coastal environment and a vibrant social scene in Charleston. This draws young ones who seek to advance their careers in the area.
Clemson - Clemson has become one of the more attractive places to live for young people due to its economic development and social scene. Clemson University provides scope for research, engineering, health care, and startups that continue to attract graduates and younger workers. The downtown area of Clemson remains vibrant with cafes, restaurants, sports activities, and this has led to steady growth in the Clemson housing market. Growing demand from students, professionals, and investors has also steadily increased property values. It helps Clemson earn recognition as one of the richest cities in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach - Younger adults looking for hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and remote work opportunities near the coast prefer Myrtle Beach. Interest in homes for sale in Myrtle Beach continues to grow around Market Common and Carolina Forest areas, which indirectly target young people. The city also offers beach access and a more active social lifestyle compared to many smaller South Carolina communities. With all the modern amenities and steady growth in the Myrtle Beach housing market, the city remains among the most popular cities in South Carolina. It is an ideal choice for the younger professionals eyeing both lifestyle and career flexibility.

Cost of Living in South Carolina's Most Expensive Cities

High home prices are only part of the equation in South Carolina's priciest markets. Groceries, utilities, and insurance all run above the national average. Coastal homeowner's insurance alone can add thousands to your annual budget. Here is what to expect across five of South Carolina's most expensive cities.

City	Median Home Price	Median Rent	Cost of Living	Rank
Kiawah Island	$1,775,000	$4,895	157%	1/10
Sullivan's Island	$5,867,873	$10,500	203%	2/10
Isle of Palms	$1,475,000	$8,000	52%	3/10
Folly Beach	$1,098,950	$4,500	45%	4/10
Mount Pleasant	$880,000	$3,350	145%	5/10

Safest Places to Live in South Carolina

South Carolina has some genuinely safe communities that are worth knowing about. The state has seen real improvements in public safety across many areas over the years. Certain cities here consistently stand out for keeping crime low and residents feeling secure. Check out our safest places to live in South Carolina rankings.

Wellford

89/100

Score

Safest Safest

Tega Cay

85/100

Score

Safest Safest

Lyman

80/100

Score

Safest Safest

Fort Mill

79/100

Score

Safest Safest

Mount Pleasant

74/100

Score

Safest Safest

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Ranking Methodology

To determine the most expensive places to live, we applied a structured, data-driven methodology using verified economic and housing datasets. Our analysis incorporates employment levels and job stability (Bureau of Labor Statistics), cost-of-living benchmarks (C2ER), median home prices and average rents (Houzeo housing data), and income statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. Each factor was normalized against its respective state average to control for regional cost differences and market size. The combined metrics were then weighted and aggregated to produce a final comparative score, highlighting cities where housing costs, cost of living, and overall expenses are strongest relative to the state and national baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do wealthy people live in South Carolina?

Wealthy buyers in South Carolina often choose places like Kiawah Island, Hilton Head Island, Mount Pleasant, and Sullivan's Island. These areas are known for luxury waterfront homes, golf communities, and private beach access.

What are the biggest challenges of living in South Carolina?

Some of the biggest challenges of living in South Carolina include hurricane risks along the coast, heavy summer humidity, and growing traffic in fast-developing areas. Home insurance costs can also rise in beach communities. Still, many residents feel the warm weather and coastal lifestyle outweigh these challenges.

How do I buy a house in an expensive area in South Carolina?

Start by reviewing city-level data like median home price, median rent, and days on market. Buyers researching how to buy a house in South Carolina should also compare local property taxes, insurance costs, and inventory trends before choosing a neighborhood. Get pre-approved early if targeting luxury markets like Kiawah Island or Hilton Head Island, and work with a local agent who understands the local market well. In competitive coastal areas around Charleston, desirable homes can still move quickly despite higher prices.

What town has the highest crime rate in South Carolina?

Based on recent FBI crime data, cities like Orangeburg and Spartanburg report some of the highest crime rates in South Carolina. Smaller cities such as Dillon and Hartsville also rank high in crime statistics in some recent studies.

What are the safest places to live in South Carolina?

Tega Cay, Fort Mill, and Mount Pleasant are some of the safest places to live in South Carolina because of their low crime rates and strong community feel. Many families also choose Bluffton and North Augusta for their quieter neighborhoods and good schools.

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Important Legal Disclosures

MLS Disclaimers
The market analysis provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Data is sourced from public records, industry reports, and third-party providers, and while Houzeo strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.

All estimates, projections, and historical data are based on statistical models and should not be relied upon as predictions of future market conditions. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and real estate market conditions may change due to various economic and regulatory factors. Users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any real estate or financial decisions. Houzeo is not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided. Any unauthorized use, duplication, or distribution of the data may violate copyright laws and result in legal consequences. Certain information, tools and services on this page may be powered by third-party vendors. Houzeo does not control or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or functionality of such third-party services.