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Cost of Living in South Carolina

2026 Census HTOPS data on expenses, housing, employment, and more in South Carolina (SC).

79.26%
Expense Difficulty
15.11%
Behind on Rent
8.48%
Uninsured
57.65%
Employed
24.2%
AI Usage
$1,040
Median Rent
47.8%
Cost-Burdened Renters
3.1%
Unemployment Rate

South Carolina vs. National Average

Expense Difficulty1.1 pts better
SC: 79.26%
US: 80.39%
Rent Behind6.5 pts worse
SC: 15.11%
US: 8.6%
Uninsured0.8 pts worse
SC: 8.48%
US: 7.67%
Employed0.8 pts better
SC: 57.65%
US: 56.85%
AI Usage~ average
SC: 24.2%
US: 24.45%

Cost of Living Overview

About This Data

Census HTOPS data is reported at the Census Division level. Metrics for South Carolina reflect the South Atlantic division. Supplemental rent and unemployment data come from the American Community Survey (via FRED) and Bureau of Labor Statistics respectively.