Full of charming cities and bursting with Southern hospitality, moving to South Carolina is a great option for budget-conscious renters to settle down. From fast-growing cities to quiet small towns, finding an affordable place to live in South Carolina can help you enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
Below is a short overview of five of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina. Along with each city, you’ll find some basic information on the largest employers in each city as well as a few of the most popular affordable attractions.
1. Columbia
Average rent: $1,194
Columbia tops our list as the most affordable city in South Carolina, with an average rent of just $1,194. Studio apartments in Columbia are particularly budget-friendly at $1,234, while one-bedroom units are $1,100, and two-bedroom apartments come in at $1,249.
The University of South Carolina is a massive employer in Columbia as well as the driving force behind the city’s reputation as one of the best South Carolina college towns. For a fun and frugal day out, visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden or take a walk around beautiful Congaree National Park. The city also sponsors free community events throughout the year, including the Columbia Museum of Art’s First Thursdays on Main.
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2. Rock Hill
Average rent: $1,323
Rock Hill’s average rent is $1,323, making it another affordable option for South Carolina renters. Studio apartments average $1,307, one-bedroom units are about $1,244, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,417.
Major employers in Rock Hill include Winthrop University and Piedmont Medical Center, providing a swath of solid jobs and making the city one of the best college towns in South Carolina. In terms of affordable attractions, a visit to Glencairn Garden or a day exploring the Historic Rock Hill Walking Tour are always good options.
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3. North Charleston
Average rent: $1,369
North Charleston’s average rent is $1,369. Studio apartments average $1,094, one-bedroom units are around $1,508, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,506. With affordable transportation and utility costs, living in North Charleston is a financially sensible place to settle down in South Carolina.
A couple noteworthy employers in North Charleston include Boeing and the Charleston International Airport. For an Authentic North Charleston experience, check out North Charleston Riverfront Park or the annual North Charleston Arts Fest.
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4. Charleston
Average rent: $1,394
Charleston has an average rent of $1,394. Studio apartments in Charleston average $1,180, one-bedroom units are about $1,450, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,552.
Larger employers in Charleston include the Medical University of South Carolina and Boeing. Locals here enjoy attractions like Waterfront Park, the Battery, and White Point Garden.
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5. Summerville
Average rent: $1,440
Summerville’s average rent sits at $1,440, rounding out our list of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina. Studio apartments average $1,110, one-bedroom units are about $1,520, and two-bedroom apartments are $1,690.
A couple of the key employers in Summerville are Bosch and the Summerville Medical Center. For a little R and R, visit the Azalea Park and Sculpture Garden or enjoy the scenic views at the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site.
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Methodology
All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have an average rent price under the median rent price for the state – which is $1,503 per month according to Redfin data. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2024.
