South Carolina attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Top rated colleges, beautiful beaches, and excellent healthcare. You can’t go wrong with the Palmetto State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $200,000. Bennettsville’s cost of living is 30.3% lower than the national average, and Union is 29% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Orangeburg’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $152K. Meanwhile, Florence offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $209,300.
Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in South Carolina. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dillon | $96,819 | $895 | 28.4% lower ⬇️ | $34,964 | 6,354 |
| 2. Bennettsville | $101,651 | $800 | 30.3% lower ⬇️ | $40,889 | 6,654 |
| 3. Union | $118,868 | $995 | 29% lower ⬇️ | $34,112 | 7,939 |
| 4. Orangeburg | $152,322 | $950 | 25.8% lower ⬇️ | $33,066 | 12,480 |
| 5. Laurens | $167,693 | $800 | 23% lower ⬇️ | $55,207 | 9,393 |
| 6. Newberry | $175,350 | $1,250 | 21.9% lower ⬇️ | $47,885 | 10,726 |
| 7. Gaffney | $175,029 | $945 | 27.5% lower ⬇️ | $41,214 | 12,454 |
| 8. Conway | $280,930 | $1,800 | 9.6% lower ⬇️ | $54,841 | 27,985 |
| 9. Aiken | $255,244 | $1,795 | 15.4% lower ⬇️ | $69,837 | 32,947 |
| 10. Florence | $209,300 | $1,525 | 20.4% lower ⬇️ | $56,433 | 40,609 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina
The annual population growth of 14% since 2010 is reflective of people’s intention to move to South Carolina. If you’re considering shifting to the Palmetto State, here are some cities that offer affordable living options:
#1 Dillon
- Median house rent is $895 | Rental prices range between $325 and $1,100.
- Median home value of Dillon is $96,819.
- Cost of living in Dillon is 28.4% cheaper than the national average.
Dillon is considered the cheapest city in South Carolina with grocery costs 7% lower than the national average. Dillon provides recreational options such as golf and is home to various attractions like Little Pee Dee State Park and South of the Border. Apart from this, the city is home to major companies like Herald Office Solutions and Wyman-Gordon for job seekers.
» Dillon Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in the least expensive cities to live in SC.
#2 Bennettsville
- Median house rent is $800.
- Median home value of Bennettsville is $101,651.
- Cost of living in Bennettsville is 30.3% cheaper than the national average.
Bennettsville offers affordable transportation which is 33.1% lower than the national average. Known for its rich agricultural and fishing opportunities, the city is home to major employers like McArthur Farms and Broad Street Fish Market. These factors contribute to a vibrant economy and community, making it an ideal place for professionals.
» Bennettsville Homes for Sale: Search houses in one of the most affordable places to live in SC.
#3 Union
- Median house rent is $995 | Rental prices range between $795 and $1,195.
- Median home value of Union is $118,868.
- Cost of living in Union is 29% cheaper than the national average.
With rental costs below the national average, Union stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in South Carolina. The house rent price is between $600 – $1,695. The city boasts beautiful attractions like the Sumter National Forest, which enhances its natural charm. Companies like Union County Ems and Allen Tate are the top two employers here.
» Union Homes for Sale: Explore affordable housing in one of the cheapest areas to live in South Carolina.
#4 Orangeburg
- Median house rent is $950 | Rental prices range between $525 and $2,250.
- Median home value of Orangeburg is $152,322.
- Cost of living in Orangeburg is 25.8% cheaper than the national average.
Orangeburg provides affordable living, with healthcare costs 5.9% below the national average, which is ideal for senior people. It also features attractions such as the Edisto Memorial Gardens, which hosts events throughout the year. For job seekers, the city is home to prominent companies like Zeus Industrial Products and the Regional Medical Center.
» Orangeburg Homes for Sale: Search houses in one of the most affordable city to live in South Carolina.
Use a South Carolina Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
5. Laurens
- Median house rent is $800 | Rental prices range between $325 and $1,900.
- Median home value of Laurens is $167,693.
- Cost of living in Laurens is 23% cheaper than the national average.
Also known as ‘Laurensville,’ Laurens’ average grocery expenses are 6.1% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses are also 19.7% cheaper than the US median. Laurens is also home to reputable companies like CeramTec North America and Laurens Electric Cooperative. This affordability helps IT professionals allocate more resources towards their careers.
» Laurens Homes for Sale: Find homes in cheapest cities to live in South Carolina.
#6 Newberry
- Median house rent is $1,250 | Rental prices range between $850 and $1,570.
- Median home value of Newberry is $175,350.
- Cost of living in Newberry is 21.9% cheaper than the national average.
With an average household income of $47,885, Newberry is a comfortable place to live. Located in the Piedmont region, Newberry is just 43 miles northwest of Columbia, the capital of SC. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area’s parks, including Lynch’s Woods Park. You might find local festivals, farmers’ markets, art shows, and community gatherings in this area.
» Newberry Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina.
#7 Gaffney
- Median house rent is $945 | Rental prices range between $615 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Gaffney is $175,029.
- Cost of living in Gaffney is 27.5% cheaper than the national average.
Gaffney’s monthly expenditure on health, food, and transportation per month is 22% to 34% below the national average. Annual events like the Gaffney Peach Festival and various community gatherings foster local engagement. The Cherokee County History Museum showcases local history, while Lyman Lake State Park offers outdoor recreation.
» Gaffney Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in one of the inexpensive cities to live in SC.
#8 Conway
- Median house rent is $1,800 | Rental prices range between $840 and $2,920.
- Median home value of Conway is $280,930.
- Cost of living in Conway is 9.6% cheaper than the national average.
Conway’s transportation costs are 12.1% lower than the US average. Also, the city is home to Coastal Carolina University, providing educational opportunities. You can also enjoy fishing at the Waccamaw River which passes through Conway. It is also known for the annual Conway Riverfest, which brings the community together with music and food.
» Conway Homes for Sale: Discover affordable housing in one of the cheapest cities in South Carolina.
#9 Aiken
- Median house rent is $1,795 | Rental prices range between $495 and $4,200.
- Median home value of Aiken is $255,244.
- Cost of living in Aiken is 15.4% cheaper than the national average.
Housing costs in Aiken are 31.3% less than the US average. Aiken Center for the Arts and Hopelands Gardens are popular attractions, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Additionally, Aiken Technical College provides excellent vocational and technical education for career-seeking.
» Aiken Homes for Sale: Find homes in cheapest places to live in SC.
#10 Florence
- Median house rent is $1,525 | Rental prices range between $620 and $5,000.
- Median home value Florence is $209,300.
- Cost of living in Florence is 20.4% cheaper than the national average.
Florence is one of the cheapest city to live in South Carolina with transportation costs is 22.2% lower than the national average. The city also has major employers like McLeod Health and ACS Technologies. Florence has a youthful population and a decent school system which is best suited for young families.
» Florence Homes for Sale: Get yourself homes in one of the cheap places to live in South Carolina.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in South Carolina?
If you want to move to South Carolina, you will find cheap houses for sale in South Carolina under 150K in cities like Dillon, Bennettsville, and Union. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other South Carolina cities.
Cities like Conway and Aiken have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the home prices and living costs. Also, getting a mortgage pre-approval helps you stand out in the competition before buying a house in South Carolina.
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» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology for Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina
To rank the top cities in South Carolina, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the least expensive place to live in South Carolina?
The cheapest place to live in South Carolina is Dillon. It offers affordable transportation, which is 23.9% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina: Find out the other cheapest places to live in South Carolina.
Where is the best place to live in South Carolina?
The best place to live in South Carolina is Charleston, followed by Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Summerville, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, and Rock Hill.
Is it expensive to live in South Carolina?
No, it is not. The median home value is $293,664. If you're looking for South Carolina's biggest cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Which South Carolina city has the lowest cost of living?
Bennettsville has the lowest cost of living, which is 30.3% and 21.9% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
