South Carolina Cost of Living Calculator
South Carolina scores 92.7 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 79.5, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $69,525 here; its highest part is groceries at 99.1.
| Index | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 92.7 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 79.5 |
| Groceries | 99.1 |
| Utilities | 95.4 |
| Transportation | 97.3 |
| Health care | 99.0 |
| Other goods and services | 98.6 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$5,475.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
South Carolina's figures fill the destination side: composite 92.7 for the salary, housing 79.5 for the rent, and 5.21% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
South Carolina ranks 18th lowest of the 50 states on the composite index (92.7). Median household income: $72,350 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,396 a month.
What South Carolina's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in South Carolina | Rent at the U.S. average → in South Carolina | South Carolina income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $46,350 | $1,000 → $795 | $757 (1.6%) |
| $75,000 | $69,525 | $1,500 → $1,193 | $2,294 (3.3%) |
| $100,000 | $92,700 | $2,000 → $1,590 | $3,831 (4.1%) |
| $150,000 | $139,050 | $2,500 → $1,988 | $6,279 (4.5%) |
South Carolina 2026 single-filer rates, after South Carolina General Assembly — H. 4216 (ratified 2026-03-25, signed 2026-03-30), S.C. Code 12-6-1140(15) (tax year 2026).
South Carolina and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in South Carolina | $1,500 rent there = in South Carolina | $75,000 in South Carolina = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 90.1 / 77.6 | $77,164 | $1,537 | $72,896 | 4.99% flat → 5.21% top rate |
| North Carolina | 96.7 / 91.4 | $71,898 | $1,305 | $78,236 | 3.99% flat → 5.21% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Carolina?
South Carolina's composite index is 92.7 for Q2 2026, the 18th lowest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $69,525 buys in South Carolina.
Which prices are highest and lowest in South Carolina?
Against a U.S. average of 100, South Carolina's highest part is groceries (99.1) and its lowest is housing (79.5); none of the six parts is above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in South Carolina at 30% of income?
About $55,840 a year: South Carolina's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,396 a month, and $16,752 a year is 30% of that salary.