A good salary in South Carolina varies by city — Charleston commands premium salaries while Greenville and Columbia offer better value.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, SC average | $48,000-$62,000 | $38,000-$48,000 |
| Single in Charleston | $58,000-$75,000 | $48,000-$58,000 |
| Single in Greenville | $48,000-$62,000 | $38,000-$48,000 |
| Family of 4 | $78,000-$100,000 | $62,000-$78,000 |
Key advantage: South Carolina’s cost of living is 8% below the national average with no tax on Social Security.
Why South Carolina Is Affordable
South Carolina benefits from:
- Affordable housing (median home price ~$290,000)
- Low property taxes (0.57% effective rate — very low)
- No tax on Social Security income
- Growing economy with BMW, Boeing, and tech sector
Good Salary by South Carolina City
Charleston
Charleston is expensive due to tourism, historic charm, and coastal location.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$480,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,650/month
Greenville
Greenville is a rapidly growing city with a revitalized downtown.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$320,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,250/month
Columbia
Columbia is the state capital with government and university employment.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Comfortable | $45,000 | $72,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $58,000+ | $95,000+ |
Median home price: ~$250,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,100/month
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a tourist area with variable seasonal costs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $60,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$340,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,300/month
How Much House Can You Afford in South Carolina?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $48,000 | $175,000-$195,000 |
| $62,000 | $230,000-$250,000 |
| $78,000 | $290,000-$320,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
South Carolina vs. Other States
| State | $60K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $49,500 | 92 |
| North Carolina | $49,200 | 96 |
| Georgia | $49,000 | 95 |
| Florida | $50,800 | 100 |
South Carolina’s very low property taxes are a major advantage.
South Carolina State Income Tax
South Carolina has a graduated income tax:
- Up to $3,460: 0%
- $3,461-$17,330: 3%
- Over $17,330: 6.4% (top rate being reduced)
Top rate is being reduced to 6% over several years.
Top Industries in South Carolina
- Manufacturing (BMW, Boeing, Volvo, Michelin) — Average salary $55,000+
- Healthcare — Average salary $60,000+
- Tourism/Hospitality — Average salary $40,000+
- Technology (growing) — Average salary $75,000+
- Military (multiple bases) — Average salary $55,000+
- Port/Logistics (Charleston) — Average salary $55,000+
South Carolina Lifestyle
Pros:
- Very low property taxes
- Mild climate year-round
- Beautiful beaches and mountains
- No tax on Social Security
- Growing job market
Cons:
- Charleston has become expensive
- Hot, humid summers
- Hurricane exposure on coast
- Education system challenges in some areas