Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
South Carolina's overall cost of living index is 93.7, about 6% below the U.S. average.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 93.7 | 100 |
- •South Carolina's cost of living has stayed close to the national baseline since 2008, generally landing in the middle third of all states.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest driver of South Carolina's affordability edge, with a housing cost index near 85.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 80.5 | 100 |
- •Coastal counties like Beaufort and Charleston have home values roughly double the statewide median.
Utility Costs
Utility bills in South Carolina run slightly above the national average, driven by high summer air-conditioning use.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (South region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU030072610).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 88.3 | 100 |
- •South Carolina households use some of the most electricity per customer in the country because of long, humid cooling seasons.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in South Carolina run close to the national average, with a food index near 97.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAF1).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 96.3 | 100 |
- •South Carolina's coastal seafood industry, centered on shrimp and blue crab, helps keep some local food staples cheaper near the coast.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in South Carolina are near the national average, with an index around 97.5.
Medical care price index (South region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, South region, annual average (CUUR0300SAM).
- •MUSC in Charleston is one of the largest academic medical systems in the Southeast and a major driver of the state's healthcare economy.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in South Carolina sit close to average, helped by gas prices that are usually below the national mean.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Z_DPG).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.96 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •South Carolina has no vehicle emissions testing requirement in most counties, which helps keep vehicle ownership costs down.