Cost of Living in South Carolina

South Carolina has a warm climate, stunning beaches, and southern charm to offer. All of this sounds wonderful, but there is one major concern: how much does it cost to live in South Carolina?  We’ll examine the cost of living in South Carolina in the article below so you may choose the location that best suits your needs both financially and otherwise. Read on to know more!

Why Choose South Carolina to Study Abroad?

South Carolina might be the best place to study if you want to experience the real US South. This Deep South state is home to pristine stretches of wilderness, old-world manners and social conservatism, humid heat, and a slow pace of life.

Although the state’s economy still heavily relies on agriculture, services now make up the majority of the economy in South Carolina. This is mostly due to tourism, which draws people to the region’s stunning natural attractions including the Table Rock and Caesars Head State Parks, the steep Chattooga River, and the sugar-white beaches of the Atlantic coast.

The two biggest cities in the state, Charleston and Columbia, are home to a substantial portion of the state’s institutions. The former is well-known for being scenic and charming and is a well-liked tourist destination. According to the 2011 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, it was chosen as the “Top City in the United States.” On the Atlantic coast, it is located.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in USA: A Guide

Cost of Living in South Carolina 

South Carolina’s cost of living is 6% lower than the US average when compared to the US as a whole. The state is generally affordable, with low housing, food, and other costs. You will have some money left over to save and have fun with because this friendly state has lower housing costs than the national average.

SC is the 40th largest state by population, with just over five million residents. South Carolina is a fantastic destination for retirement life in addition to being an affordable place to live. In fact, South Carolina has been named the fourth greatest state in the US to retire to in a study by Retirement Living.

The low overall cost of living in South Carolina attracts a lot of individuals. South Carolina’s cost of living is 11.5% cheaper than the national average, while property values have increased 6.9% in the past year.

Housing Cost

In South Carolina, a single-family home typically costs INR 1.3 cr. The average home value in South Carolina comes to INR 1.5 Cr, however, it is a little lower than in North Carolina. 

Rent is more expensive compared to purchasing a home. The average market rent in the state for a flat is INR 93K per month. 2020 saw a median condo price of INR 1.3cr. The cost of rent varies significantly depending on the facilities and type of unit, as well as the particular South Carolina location.

There are several studio apartments here, and they are typically the most economical. The typical rent in Columbia for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is INR 64K. In general, rent and utility costs increase with the distance from a city’s core or center. One of the main contributors to South Carolina’s high cost of living is housing.

Utility Costs

In South Carolina, whether you own or rent your house, you’ll undoubtedly have to pay for utilities. Electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash services are among these essentials. In the state, a typical household’s electric cost is INR 11K, while a typical gas bill is about INR 8K. Water expenditures should be about INR 2K per month, and sewer charges should be about INR 3K.

Utilities may cost a little bit more if you reside in a larger city like Columbia as opposed to a remote suburb. Basic utilities, such as power, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost roughly INR 13K per month for a 915-square-foot flat in Columbia, SC.

Food Budget 

Just over 5% less than the US average is spent on food and groceries in South Carolina. Even while this may seem like a modest amount, it adds up to a lot over a year. You can use the money for other items in your budget.

In the entire state, a gallon of milk costs INR 180/-, and a dozen eggs cost about INR 250/-. A fast food meal will run you approximately INR 650/-, while lunch at a neighborhood restaurant would cost you about INR 1K.

A three-course meal at a midrange restaurant in a large city like Columbia costs roughly INR 4.9K. A typical cappuccino costs about INR 280/-, while your favourite cheese costs roughly INR 410/- per pound at the neighbourhood shop.

Also Read: IELTS Accepting Universities in the USA: For MS, MBA, Low IELTS Band Universities

Cost of Transportation

South Carolina’s transportation expenditures vary from city to city, but on average, drivers and commuters spend between INR 1 lakh and INR 1.5 lakh a year on transportation. Remember that this does not include the price of car insurance, which typically costs INR 8.2K per month per driver.

You can take the Greenville Buses and Public Transportation; a 7-Day Unlimited Rides Pass is INR 1K. The 20-Ride Pass Booklet is INR 2K, while the 31-Day Unlimited Rides Pass option is a good deal at INR 4K.

In addition, there are other busy airports in South Carolina, including Florence Regional, Greenville-Spartanburg International, and Charleston International.

South Carolina has some of the lowest personal income, sales, and property tax rates in the nation. The state actually ranks among the ten with the lowest taxes. The average South Carolina property tax payment is INR 1 Lakh at a rate of 0.574 percent, compared to the state’s 6% sales tax rate. The cost of living in South Carolina is increased due to this.

Things to Remember When Moving to South Carolina

The average monthly cost of living for a single person without children is INR 1.9 lakh per year, according to the Economic Policy Institute. In South Carolina, a single person needs to earn INR 1.2K per hour in order to support themselves. The average household income in 2018 was INR 47 lakh.

Summer Heat and South Carolina’s Cost of Living

The summertime heat in South Carolina is an important thing to think about before living there. In the summer months of June, July, and August, South Carolina experiences some of the highest statewide average temperatures. During these months, air conditioners run continuously to keep homes cool, which could result in dramatically higher summer electricity costs. When calculating summertime temperatures, remember to account for humidity as well.

After summer is finished, there are typically several months of cooler weather. Even while heating costs less than cooling, they should still be taken into account if you live in this southern state. 

Average Tuition Fee in South Carolina

For tuition in South Carolina, international students can expect to pay anything from 25,000 to 36,000 USD (20.48 to 29.50 lakhs INR) depending on their degree of study. With graduates apparently earning an average yearly salary of 67,000 USD (54.93 lakhs INR), the university shows a significant return on investment.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Virginia: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Michigan: A Guide on Expected Expenses
Cost of Living in Pennsylvania: A Comprehensive Guide on Pennsylvania’s Expense	Cost of Living in Alberta: A Comprehensive Guide
Cost of Living in Baltimore, Maryland: A Detailed Breakdown	Cost of Living in New Jersey for International Students

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