South Carolina's cost of living index is 92.7 — 7.3% below the US average of 100 (MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026). The index averages the cities that take part in the survey, so it describes those areas rather than the whole state. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
92.7
US avg = 100 · MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026
vs. National Avg
-7.3%
Less expensive
Median Income
$72,350
Median household · Census ACS 2024 1-year
Equiv. at US Avg
$78,047
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 92.7 | MERIC (C2ER index), Second Quarter 2026 — composite, US avg = 100 |
| vs. National | 7.3% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $72,350 | South Carolina median — Census ACS 2024 1-year |
| National Purchasing Power | $78,047 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | CalcHub band of the index: Low < 90 ≤ Moderate < 100 ≤ High < 115 ≤ Very High |
| Population | 5,570,274 | Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025 |
With a cost of living index of 92.7, South Carolina is 7% below the national average. Lower costs in South Carolina mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $72,350 in South Carolina provides the equivalent purchasing power of $78,047 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.South Carolina's typical home value of $306,300 is well below the U.S. typical value of $368,700 (Zillow Home Value Index, August 2026). Other factors include state income tax (5.21% top rate in South Carolina), sales tax (6% state rate), and property taxes (0.45% effective rate).
