South Carolina
South · Capital: Columbia · Historic charm, sandy beaches, and a Sunbelt boom.
Population
5.4M
Median Home
$320K
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Avg Salary
$55,000
Income Tax
6.4%
Cost of Living
Why people move to South Carolina
South Carolina has become a Sunbelt darling, drawing retirees and families to its warm climate, low property taxes, and the historic beauty of Charleston, consistently ranked among the world's best cities. Greenville's revived downtown and a growing auto and aerospace manufacturing base — BMW and Boeing both build here — add economic momentum.
The coast faces genuine hurricane and flooding risk, and wages lag the national average. But affordable homes, mild winters, celebrated golf and beaches, and Southern hospitality make it one of the fastest-growing states in the country.
Region
South
Capital
Columbia
Homeownership
71%
Unemployment
3.3%
Top cities
Charleston
Population 155K
Historic port city routinely ranked the world's best.
Columbia
Population 137K
State capital and University of South Carolina town.
Greenville
Population 72K
Upstate boomtown with a revitalized downtown.
Mount Pleasant
Population 95K
Affluent, fast-growing Charleston suburb.
Myrtle Beach
Population 38K
Grand Strand tourism and golf destination.
Rock Hill
Population 76K
Growing suburb south of Charlotte.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). South Carolina's overall cost index is 95 — a moderate cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$320K
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Property Tax
0.57%
Homeowners
71%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | High cost | $1,750/mo |
| Columbia | Moderate cost | $1,400/mo |
| Greenville | Moderate cost | $1,400/mo |
| Mount Pleasant | High cost | $1,750/mo |
| Myrtle Beach | Moderate cost | $1,400/mo |
About 71% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 0.57% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- BMW Manufacturing
- Boeing South Carolina
- Prisma Health
- Michelin
Unemployment
3.3%
Remote-friendly
Moderate
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
South Carolina public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Charleston area schools, Columbia area schools, Greenville area schools.
Universities & colleges
- University of South Carolina
- Clemson University
- College of Charleston
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- MUSC Medical Center
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Charleston. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
35/100
Transit
Heavily car-dependent with limited bus service in the major cities.
I-75, I-85, and I-10 link fast-growing metros across the region. Average one-way commute is about 24 minutes; walkability scores near 35/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Charleston
Coastal gateway
Greenville
Upstate gateway
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid subtropical with hot summers, mild winters, and coastal hurricane exposure.
Taxes
State income tax
6.4%
State sales tax
6%
Property tax
0.57%
State income tax: 6.4%. Statewide sales tax is 6% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 0.57% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
45 days to register, 90 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Not required
Typical license fee
$35–$90
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$110
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Growing
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $110. Startup resources include the Columbia Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at University of South Carolina.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Charleston and Columbia. Rates track the state's moderate cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Spoleto Festival USA
A world-renowned performing-arts festival in Charleston.
Fall for Greenville
A massive downtown food-and-music street festival.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
A Bible Belt state with strong Baptist and Methodist communities and deep church traditions.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Charleston and Columbia are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
Home to the Gullah Geechee community, descendants of enslaved Africans who preserve a unique Lowcountry culture.
The honest take on South Carolina
Pros
- Warm climate and low property taxes
- Beautiful coast and historic Charleston
- Growing manufacturing base
Cons
- Hurricane and flood risk
- Below-average wages
- Limited public transit
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