Houses in South Carolina spend an average of 83 days on the market, which means more time for you to negotiate a favorable deal. Moreover, 24.7% of homes are seeing price drops, which means even more affordable homes for you.
Living costs in cities like Dillon and Gaffney are up to 30% below the US median. Ideal for families, young adults, or retirees, the Palmetto State offers affordable living for everyone. So, here’s a list of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina in 2025!
10 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dillon | $101,798 | $900 | 28.4% lower ⬇️ | $34,964 | 6,354 |
| 2. Bennettsville | $110,622 | $850 | 30.3% lower ⬇️ | $40,889 | 6,654 |
| 3. Union | $116,327 | $1,600 | 29% lower ⬇️ | $34,112 | 7,939 |
| 4. Orangeburg | $148,883 | $1,075 | 25.8% lower ⬇️ | $33,066 | 12,480 |
| 5. Laurens | $163,174 | $850 | 23% lower ⬇️ | $55,207 | 9,393 |
| 6. Newberry | $175,269 | $1,300 | 21.9% lower ⬇️ | $47,885 | 10,726 |
| 7. Gaffney | $175,410 | $890 | 27.5% lower ⬇️ | $41,214 | 12,454 |
| 8. Conway | $279,538 | $1,800 | 9.6% lower ⬇️ | $54,841 | 27,985 |
| 9. Aiken | $254,835 | $1,866 | 15.4% lower ⬇️ | $69,837 | 32,947 |
| 10. Florence | $207,675 | $1,400 | 20.4% lower ⬇️ | $56,433 | 40,609 |
*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.
We have divided the top 10 most affordable places to live in South Carolina into 3 categories: for families, for young adults, and for retirees. Each city is evaluated based on key components of the South Carolina real estate market: median home value, median house rent and cost of living.
3 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina for Families 👨🏻👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻
1. Dillon
- Median House Rent: $900
- Median Home Value: $101,798
- Cost of Living: 28.4% cheaper than the national average.
Dillon is the cheapest city in South Carolina! With a median rent that won’t hurt your wallet, housing in this city is a steal. Moreover, groceries cost 7% less than the national average, so you can stock up on snacks without guilt.
The city is home to quality schools like Dillon Middle School, so your kids get a solid education. And when the weekend rolls around, Little Pee Dee State Park is your family’s playground. Key companies like Herald Office Solutions also provide stable job opportunities.
» Dillon Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the least expensive cities to live in SC.
2. Bennettsville
- Median House Rent: $850
- Median Home Value: $110,622
- Cost of Living: 30.3% cheaper than the national average.
Bennettsville is where affordability meets charm. With transportation costs 33.1% less than the national average, it’s one of the most affordable places to live in SC. Bonus? Your kids can have a great education at a top school like Bennettsville Primary School.
The city thrives on agriculture and fishing, so fresh produce is always on the menu. McArthur Farms and Broad Street Fish Market keep the local economy buzzing. Safe neighborhoods, good schools, and a tight-knit community make Bennettsville a no-brainer for families.
» Bennettsville Homes for Sale: Save money with the cheapest rent in South Carolina.
3. Union
- Median House Rent: $1,600
- Median Home Value: $116,327
- Cost of Living: 29% cheaper than the national average.
Union is the quiet hero of family-friendly cities, and one of the cheap places in South Carolina. With grocery costs 6.7% below the US median, you’ll have extra cash on hand for family vacations. Besides, Foster Park Elementary is among the top schools for your kids.
Make Sumter National Forest your go-to for weekend hikes. Visit the downtown shops, restaurants, stroll the streets. Chester State Park is a vibe here and is pure Southern comfort. Also, you can take your kids to Timken Sports Complex for baseball or softball.
» Union Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the most inexpensive places to live in South Carolina.
3 Cheapest Places to Live in SC for Young Adults 👨🏻💻
1. Orangeburg
- Median House Rent: $1,075
- Median Home Value: $148,883
- Cost of Living: 25.8% cheaper than the national average.
Home to South Carolina State University, Orangeburg is ideal for students and young adults looking to kickstart their careers. The good news? Healthcare costs are 5.9% below the national average, because who needs stress?
The Edisto Memorial Gardens host events like Orangeburg Festival of Roses, so your social calendar stays full. Moreover, Zeus Industrial Products and the Regional Medical Center offer solid job opportunities. Plus, the city’s vibe is chill enough to balance work and play.
» Orangeburg Homes for Sale: Discover the best affordable places to live in South Carolina!
2. Laurens
- Median House Rent: $850
- Median Home Value: $163,174
- Cost of Living: 23% cheaper than the national average.
Laurens, also known as Laurensville, is a budget-friendly haven for young professionals. With grocery and transportation costs 6% below the US average, you have more cash to spare for the fun stuff like take a stroll through The Artist’s Coop!
Companies like CeramTec North America and Laurens Electric Cooperative keep the job market thriving. Besides, spots like Topic Lounge and Lucky’s keep your social life buzzing. Also, don’t forget to visit Lake Rabon Park to enjoy boating and fishing on weekends.
» Laurens Homes for Sale: Find homes in the cheapest cities to live in South Carolina.
3. Newberry
- Median House Rent: $1,300
- Median Home Value: $175,269
- Cost of Living: 21.9% cheaper than the national average.
Newberry’s tight-knit community is ideal for young adults looking to save and build connections. Housing costs 62.1% less than the US average. Moreover, farmers’ markets, art shows, and local festivals like the Newberry Oktoberfest bring people together.
The proximity to Columbia means that weekend road trips and city adventures are always an option. Need nightlife? The Ritz Theatre and Newberry Opera House will keep you booked and busy. Besides, Lynch’s Woods Park can be your spot for hiking, biking, and picnics.
» Newberry Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the cheap places to live in SC.
4 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina for Retirees 🏖️
1. Gaffney
- Median House Rent: $890
- Median Home Value: $175,410
- Cost of Living: 27.5% cheaper than the national average.
With healthcare costs 22% below the national average, Gaffney is a retiree’s paradise. If you live here, your monthly expenditure for health, food, and transportation will be up to 35% below the national average!
Cherokee County Museum can give your fix of history. Meanwhile, Lyman Lake State Park offers fresh air and a break from screen-time. With annual events like Spring Vendor Market and the Peach Festival, there’s always something fun happening in Gaffney.
» Gaffney Homes for Sale: Looking for affordable housing in South Carolina? Start your search today!
2. Conway
- Median House Rent: $1,800
- Median Home Value: $279,538
- Cost of Living: 9.6% cheaper than the national average.
Conway is an ideal destination for seniors, with healthcare costs 8% lower than the US average. This makes budgeting easier, allowing retirees to enjoy fishing or simply relaxing on a sunny day at the Waccamaw River.
You can also enjoy events like the Conway Riverfest, which brings people together through music, food, and entertainment. Besides, Historic downtown Conway is a treasure trove of quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes for sipping coffee and sharing stories with fellow retirees.
» Conway Homes for Sale: Discover affordable housing in one of the cheapest cities in South Carolina.
3. Aiken
- Median House Rent: $1,866
- Median Home Value: $254,835
- Cost of Living: 15.4% cheaper than the national average.
Aiken is where retirees go to live their best lives. Housing costs are 31.3% below the national average. Hopelands Gardens is your daily dose of serenity, and Aiken Center for the Arts keeps your creative juices flowing.
Besides, the city’s equestrian culture adds a touch of elegance, and the community is as welcoming as a front porch swing. The downtown scene stays fresh with art galleries, coffee shops, and a community that loves a good outdoor concert.
» Aiken Homes for Sale: Find your dream property for sale in South Carolina.
4. Florence
- Median House Rent: $1,400
- Median Home Value: $207,675
- Cost of Living: 20.4% cheaper than the national average.
Florence offers retirees a perfect blend of affordability and convenience. With grocery costs 4.5% lower than the national average, there’s no need to stress about your budget. The city’s medical facilities, including McLeod Health, ensure easy access to healthcare.
Parks and botanical gardens give you peaceful spaces to relax, while local restaurants and community events keep your social life active. Florence is where retirees can enjoy their golden years without any financial strain.
» Florence Homes for Sale: Looking for homes? Find cheap homes in South Carolina now!
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in South Carolina?
You can easily find cheap houses for sale in South Carolina under 150K. Dillon, Bennettsville, and Union are among the more affordable cities in South Carolina. They offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living compared to the rest of the country.
Moving to South Carolina means a 6% cheaper cost of living compared to the national average. Want to save even more? Get a mortgage pre-approval! This will help you stand out among the competition before buying a house in South Carolina.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in South Carolina
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in SC:
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Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in SC
This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on four parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the cheapest places to live in the Palmetto State:
