Affordable Places to Live in South Carolina

From its charming coastal towns to its welcoming small cities, South Carolina offers affordability without compromise. Whether you’re looking to rent, buy, or invest, there are many cost-effective options across the state.

As of early 2025, South Carolina’s homeownership rate stands at 73%, with a median home price of $355,000. Though demand remains strong, many cities continue to offer reasonable living costs. Towns like Bennettsville and Union stand out, with costs of living 30.3% and 29% lower than the national average, respectively.

Beyond housing, South Carolina is home to top universities, beautiful beaches, and excellent healthcare. This guide explores the most affordable places to settle down while enjoying everything the state has to offer.

South Carolina is known for its Southern charm, beautiful landscapes, and affordable cost of living. Whether you prefer coastal living, small-town life, or bustling city centers, the state offers a variety of affordable options.

Here’s why South Carolina might be the perfect choice for affordable living:

• Low Housing Costs: Compared to the national average, housing prices in South Carolina remain relatively low.

• Diverse Living Options: From coastal towns to historic inland cities, South Carolina offers something for everyone.

• Job Market Growth: Cities like Florence and Greenville are experiencing job growth in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.

• Mild Climate: Enjoy warm summers and mild winters with easy access to outdoor activities year-round.

• Quality of Life: With its rich culture, history, and scenic beauty, South Carolina offers a high quality of life at an affordable price.

Before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand what living costs in South Carolina look like. Here’s a breakdown:

• Housing: The median home value in South Carolina is around $290,000, making it more affordable than many neighboring states. Rental prices average around $1,100–$1,500 for a two-bedroom apartment, depending on the city.

• Utilities: Monthly utility costs typically range from $150–$200 for electricity, water, and internet.

• Transportation: If you drive, expect to spend about $2.90 per gallon for gas. Public transit options are limited outside of major cities like Columbia and Charleston.

• Groceries: You’ll likely spend around $400–$600 monthly on groceries for a family of two.

Understanding these living expenses will help you plan your budget effectively before moving to South Carolina.

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South Carolina has several affordable towns and cities that offer great value for homebuyers and renters. Here are some of the best options:

Thinking about moving to Dillon, SC? It's a budget-friendly place with affordable homes, low living costs, and plenty of job opportunities.

• Home Prices: The median home value in Dillon, SC, is around $130,111, making it more accessible for homebuyers.

• Cost of Living: Dillon, SC, boasts a cost of living approximately 13.6% lower than the national average, appealing to those seeking affordability.

• Job Availability: Key employment sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and agriculture, with major employers like Perdue Farms and McLeod Health.

Bennettsville, SC, a town with a rich history, offers a simple lifestyle. Let's explore affordable housing, low living costs, and the local job scene.

• Home Prices: Homes in Bennettsville are a bargain! The median home value is only $93,800. Recently, homes sold for around $127,000, which is up from last year.

• Cost of Living: It's cheap to live in Bennettsville. Plus, property taxes are low, making owning a home easier on your wallet.

• Job Availability: Bennettsville's job market is still growing. The average household income is about $37,891, and it's been going up, which is a good sign for the local economy.

Union, South Carolina: A historic town offering a taste of Southern charm. Let's explore housing, living costs, and job opportunities.

• Home Prices: Housing in Union is generally affordable. You can find a range of options, from historic homes to newer builds, often at competitive prices.

• Cost of Living: Union offers a lower cost of living compared to many other areas in South Carolina. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle.

• Job Availability: While Union is a smaller town, it has a diverse job market. The University of South Carolina Union is a major employer, along with manufacturing and local businesses.

Orangeburg, South Carolina, is a historic town known for its beautiful gardens and rich agricultural heritage. It offers a blend of affordable living and community spirit.

• Home Prices: Homes in Orangeburg are quite affordable, with median prices around $130,000, making it accessible for many buyers.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Orangeburg is lower than the national average, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

• Job Availability: Job opportunities in Orangeburg are diverse, with significant employment in education, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors, supported by local institutions like South Carolina State University.

Newberry, South Carolina, is a charming town known for its rich history and small-town feel. It offers affordable living and a welcoming community atmosphere.

• Home Prices: Homes in Newberry are affordable, with a median property value around $105,900, making it accessible for many buyers.

• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Newberry is low, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.

• Job Availability: Job opportunities in Newberry are diverse, with employment available in agriculture, manufacturing, and local businesses, supported by the nearby Newberry College.

If you’re planning to buy a house in South Carolina, several towns stand out for their affordability and investment potential.

Conway, South Carolina, is a historic city known for its charming downtown and proximity to the Waccamaw River. As part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, it offers a blend of small-town appeal and access to coastal amenities.

• Home Prices: Conway's real estate market is more affordable compared to nearby Myrtle Beach, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and retirees seeking budget-friendly housing.

• Cost of Living: The city boasts a lower cost of living than many urban areas, with reasonable expenses for housing, utilities, and groceries, contributing to a comfortable lifestyle.

• Job Availability: Conway's economy is diverse, with employment opportunities in education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, supported by institutions like Coastal Carolina University and local industries.

Aiken, South Carolina, is a charming city known for its rich history, equestrian culture, and Southern hospitality. It offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live.

• Home Prices: As of January 2025, the median home price in Aiken was approximately $285,745, reflecting a slight increase of 0.3% from the previous year.

• Cost of Living: Aiken's cost of living is about 5% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 22% below the national average.

• Job Availability: The city's economy is diverse, with employment opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, and manufacturing, supported by institutions like the University of South Carolina Aiken and local industries.

Florence, South Carolina, is a city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and Southern charm. It offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban tranquility, making it an appealing place to live.

• Home Prices: As of January 2025, the average home value in Florence is approximately $209,073, reflecting a 2.6% increase over the past year.

• Cost of Living: Florence's cost of living is about 5% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 17% below the national average.

• Job Availability: The city's economy is diverse, with significant employment in trade, transportation, utilities, and government sectors. The unemployment rate in the Florence metropolitan area was 3.1% as of February 2025.

Camden, South Carolina, is a historic city known for its rich heritage and Southern charm. It offers a blend of small-town appeal and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live.

• Home Prices: As of January 2025, the average home value in Camden is approximately $220,140, reflecting a 1.5% increase over the past year.

• Cost of Living: Camden's cost of living is about 17% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 18.9% below the national average.

• Job Availability: The city's economy is diverse, with significant employment in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The unemployment rate in Camden is 4.5%, which is lower than the national average of 6%.

Gaffney, South Carolina, is a city known for its rich history and Southern charm. It offers a blend of small-town appeal and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live.

• Home Prices: As of January 2025, the average home value in Gaffney is approximately $175,410, reflecting a 3.4% increase over the past year.

• Cost of Living: Gaffney's cost of living is about 10.4% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 24.6% below the national average.

• Job Availability: The city's economy is diverse, with significant employment in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The median household income in Gaffney is approximately $31,355, which is 43.3% lower than the national average.

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South Carolina offers several programs to help residents find affordable housing. These programs are designed for first-time homebuyers, low-income families, and seniors.

• South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing): Offers down payment assistance, low-interest mortgages, and other support for first-time homebuyers.

• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Provides rental assistance to low-income families.

• USDA Rural Development Program: Offers home loans with no down payment for eligible rural areas.

To apply for these programs:

• Visit the SC Housing Website: Learn about eligibility criteria and how to apply for assistance.

• Contact Local Housing Authorities: They can guide you through available resources in your area.

By exploring these options, you can reduce your living costs and find affordable housing in South Carolina.

South Carolina is a wonderful place to call home, offering vibrant cities, charming coastal towns, and stunning natural beauty. With a growing job market and relatively affordable housing, it’s an excellent choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

As home prices continue to rise, affordability remains a key concern for many buyers. reAlpha is helping by lowering home purchase costs by 3%, making homeownership more accessible.

If you're searching for a home in South Carolina or need housing assistance, this guide will help you explore the best options. Start your journey to affordable living today!

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Discover how our all-in-one homebuying platform can increase your buying power and put money back in your pocket. Start your journey today!

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