As one of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina is steeped in rich American history. Its vast wilderness areas make it a nature lover’s paradise. From the beaches in the Lowcountry to the mountains in the north, there is something for everyone.
However, the affordable cost of living in South Carolina makes it genuinely enticing. Reasonable prices for health care, housing, utilities, and taxes make the lives of those living here easier.
This list of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina offers plenty of unique charms, amenities, and entertainment.
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Economic Advantages in South Carolina
There are significant financial advantages to living in South Carolina. The Palmetto State’s living cost is much lower than the national average. Several factors contribute to this, making it an all-around affordable state to live in.
If you find where you live to be outpacing your income, it could be time to get your home ready to sell and move to South Carolina.
Transportation
While South Carolina is not big on public transportation, there are affordable options. You will find more public transportation options in the cities than in the more rural areas.
Those who drive their own vehicles will appreciate the low fuel costs. Gasoline in South Carolina is cheaper than the national average.
Utilities
South Carolina residents have several utility options. While coal, fuels, electricity, and solar power are used in homes, electricity is the most popular. The state’s per capita consumption of natural gas ranks in the bottom 15 states.
The mild winters in the southern part of the state mean these residents can save on home heating costs. The mild winters in the mountains mean these residents can save on home cooling costs during the summers. This makes home energy costs lower than the national average for everyone in the state.
Taxes
While sales and income taxes are higher, they are not the highest in the country. To make up for this, property taxes are some of the lowest. This makes homeownership more affordable to those looking to buy in South Carolina.
Recreation
South Carolina is a nature lovers paradise. The majority of the state is covered in natural lands, giving you plenty to explore. A yearly pass to the state parks means residents and visitors can stay active without spending a fortune.
The parks in the northern part of the state feature mountain trails, rivers with rapids, waterfalls, and camping. The parks in the Lowcountry feature lazy rivers and streams, expansive flat trails, and sandy coastlines.
Top 10 Cheapest Cities in South Carolina
South Carolina ranks 22nd in the cost of living study by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. However, some cities are more affordable than others. The study considered all cities, so places like Hilton Head, Saint Helena Island, and Sullivan’s Island will increase the average cost of living.
This guide will focus on the state’s most affordable cities. While affordable, these cities do not sacrifice quality of life. Their amenities will have you staging your current home to put it on the market.
1. Greenville
This quickly growing city located at the base of the Blue Ridge mountains offers plenty of outdoor green space for exploring. Plenty of affordable suburbs surround the city, making selling your house and moving here for a job relocation much easier.
You will find a range of affordable housing options. There are neighborhoods steeped in rich history. Others offer large single-family homes on wooded lots. Then, there are the modern housing communities with mixed-use development.
All of them are close enough to downtown that you can easily check out the thriving arts, culture, and dining. Plenty of festivals happen throughout the year.
Pros
The cost of living in Greenville is below the national average. Despite being a thriving city, the home prices are affordable compared to other urban areas in South Carolina. Those renting will find competitive rental rates.
The economy in Greenville also thrives with a relatively low jobless rate.
Cons
One drawback of living in and around Greenville is the lack of public transportation. While the neighborhoods are walkable, you will need a car if you want to explore all that Greenville has to offer.
2. Spartanburg
Not far from Greenville, you will find Spartanburg. This city of 40,000 is one of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. It boasts plenty of outdoor recreation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are also charming historic areas that will take you back in time.
Pros
The cost of living in Spartanburg is below the national average. The houses are affordable, and many have plenty of land around them. If you rent, you can easily find rates that fit your budget.
Croft State Park is just south of downtown. It offers 12 miles of trails crisscrossing 7,000 acres of woodland.
Cons
There are limited employment opportunities. This makes it an ideal place for someone who works from home or remotely.
3. Conway
This quiet riverfront city has plenty of historical charm. It is family-oriented and known for being safe and peaceful.
It is about a 30-minute drive inland from Myrtle Beach. This gives you access to the coast without being in the center of tourism.
Pros
The cost of living in Conway is affordable, with many housing options. The rental rates are also affordable for the available inventory.
Conway has a stable economy despite the moderate unemployment.
Cons
Because Myrtle Beach is so close, many retailers choose to open up shop there. This can leave Conway feeling sparse when it comes to shopping. However, being close to Myrtle Beach means you can still access plenty of shopping.
4. Aiken
The town of Aiken is a suburb of Augusta. This charming equestrian town is full of natural beauty. There are also golf courses for those who participate in the sport.
Hitchcock Woods is located in the heart of downtown. At 2,100 acres, it is one of the largest urban forests in the country.
Pros
The cost of living in Aiken is noticeably below the national average. You will find affordable housing. Because this is horse country, you will find homes with plenty of land.
There is a spacious suburban feel with homes with more property and space. Many also have beautifully cared-for private gardens. Rental costs in Aiken are also affordable if you would rather rent while you look for the perfect home.
The jobless rate in Aiken is relatively low.
Cons
Because Aiken is a smaller town, there are limited nightlife options. There is also limited shopping in Aiken, but you can easily drive wot decent shopping with Augusta nearby.
5. Sumter
Living in Sumter gives you access to everything that makes South Carolina so great. The Palmetto Trail is one of the longest pedestrian and bicycle trailways in the state, and there are plenty of other outdoor activities.
Pros
Living in Sumter means you will have a below-average cost of living with affordable housing options. The rental rates are budget-friendly, with decent housing options.
There is some moderate unemployment, but the job market slowly improves as the economy improves.
Cons
There are some limitations to the employment situation because of a lack of job diversity. Sumter would be ideal for someone who works for themselves or remotely from home.
6. Florence
If you want to get the full experience, Florence is the perfect place to experience southern hospitality, charm, and history. There are museums, libraries, and art centers.
One reason the city is so affordable is because it is going through a revitalization. Moving here now will allow you to invest early while prices are affordable. You can then enjoy property value appreciation as the city transforms itself.
Pros
While Florence is not the cheapest city on this list, its cost of living is attractive for those coming from a larger city. Both the housing and rental markets offer affordable options for people moving to the area.
Despite going through a revitalization, the employment market remains stable, with plenty of job opportunities.
Cons
One drawback of Florence is the humid climate. Summers can get hot, and the humidity can make it unbearable for some.
7. Greenwood
Home to Lander University, Greenwood has several museums and collegiate-geared amenities. West Cambridge Park offers plenty of outdoor recreational entertainment.
Lake Greenwood,
Pros
Greenwood’s housing prices are noticeably lower than the national average, making it a popular place for retirees looking to maximize their buying power. Rental rates are also competitive, allowing residents to get more for their money than they would in larger cities.
The unemployment rate is relatively low. The university provides some stability to the area’s economy.
Cons
They have limited shopping and dining. There is also a higher-than-average crime rate in some areas.
8. Rock Hill
Living in Rock Hill combines small-town affordability with the amenities and conveniences of a larger city. This combination may make you wonder whether you should remodel your current home before putting it on the market, and selling it and moving to Rock Hill.
The historic downtown area is beautiful, with cafes, shops, boutiques, and galleries calling the old brick buildings home.
Rock Hill’s central location makes exploring the Blue Ridge easier. Drive to Greensboro, Atlanta, and Asheville.
Pros
The affordable cost of living creates plenty of room in your budget for enjoying life. The housing and rental market are also affordable, making moving to Rock Hill accessible.
The growing job market means new opportunities every day, which attracts more people and bolsters the ever increasing economy in Rock Hill.
Cons
There can be considerable traffic congestion in Rock Hill. The commute to Charlotte can also take 45 minutes to an hour. The quality of the schools could also be better.
9. Anderson
Known as the electric city, Anderson has a thriving downtown area. Those interested in arts and culture will appreciate the many events. There is even a SculpTOUR, during which you can walk around downtown and look at the public art on display.
Nearby, you can spend time on Lake Hartwell. It is a man-made reservoir, one of the largest lakes in the Southeastern US.
Pros
With the cost of living comfortably below the national average, you will find affordable home prices and budget-friendly rental rates. A nice advantage of living in Anderson is the stable economy and employment rates.
Cons
There are limited public transportation options around Anderson. It is best to have your own vehicle.
10. Myrtle Beach
As a major tourist destination, you wouldn’t expect Myrtle Beach to be one of the most affordable cities to live in South Carolina. However, this coastal town offers plenty for its residents and visitors. There are beaches, arts, entertainment, and golf courses.
Pros
Compared to the national average, the cost of living in Myrtle Beach is noticeably below the national average. Even the home prices are affordable for it being coastal living. The rental rates are also competitive for the area and type of housing.
The unemployment rate can vary based on the season. Because it is a tourism destination, employment is high during high travel times and drops off during the off-season.
Cons
The biggest drawback of Myrtle Beach is the seasonal tourist congestion. The restaurants, shops, beach, and roads can get quite crowded.
Chose One of the Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina
If you are ready to make a change, consider moving to one of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina. These towns and small cities have plenty to offer. Southern hospitality welcomes you with affordable South Carolina real estate, entertainment, and outdoor activities.
Make your first move to South Carolina by working with iBuyer.com to sell your current home and buy your next one. Perhaps you want to live near the coast in Conway. Maybe the equestrian town of Aiken appeals to you.
Choosing the right affordable city should be more than a financial decision. It also needs to fit your career and lifestyle. Before committing to a city, plan to visit it in person so that you can confirm that you will feel happy living there.
Take the first step to more affordable living by getting a valuation estimate for your home.
