Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in South Carolina? We ranked 14 South Carolina cities by median home value. The cheapest is Sumter (~$201,000); the South Carolina median is $237,000.
Most affordable cities in South Carolina
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sumter | $201,000 | $140 |
| 2 | Spartanburg | $212,000 | $161 |
| 3 | Columbia | $226,000 | $146 |
| 4 | Florence | $236,000 | $148 |
| 5 | Aiken | $237,000 | $184 |
| 6 | Anderson | $269,000 | $175 |
| 7 | North Charleston | $308,500 | $205 |
| 8 | Myrtle Beach | $322,000 | $232 |
| 9 | Greenville | $358,000 | $212 |
| 10 | Summerville | $371,000 | $196 |
Most expensive cities in South Carolina
The priciest South Carolina markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | $748,000 | $468 |
| 2 | Fort Mill | $545,000 | $220 |
| 3 | Bluffton | $523,000 | $270 |
| 4 | Beaufort | $425,000 | $275 |
| 5 | Summerville | $371,000 | $196 |
| 6 | Greenville | $358,000 | $212 |
| 7 | Myrtle Beach | $322,000 | $232 |
| 8 | North Charleston | $308,500 | $205 |
| 9 | Anderson | $269,000 | $175 |
| 10 | Aiken | $237,000 | $184 |
How we rank South Carolina cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all South Carolina home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
South Carolina affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in South Carolina? +
Based on median home value, Sumter is among the most affordable cities in South Carolina, with a typical home around $201,000 — well below the South Carolina median of $237,000.
What is the most expensive city in South Carolina? +
By median home value, Charleston is among the priciest in South Carolina, with a typical home around $748,000.
Is South Carolina an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in South Carolina is about $237,000 (19% more affordable than the U.S. median of $294,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $201,000 to $748,000.