Moving to South Carolina may prove to be one of the best decisions you will ever make. But before you make the actual decision, you need to know everything about what to expect and how life in South Carolina is. So we have compiled everything from weather, jobs, and pros and cons of relocating!
South Carolina is a beautiful state situated on the state’s eastern side. Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, and the state is also known by its nickname “The Palmetto State.” If you are moving to South Carolina, the information below will help you get known more information about the state. The housing rates of South Carolina are very low compared to the average housing rates of the country. An expat can easily afford the home, as buying and rental rates are lower.
There are some nice job opportunities available in the state where the proficient individual can get the job easily. However, the employment rate is 5.2% in South Carolina, compared to the average rate of 6.2% in the US.
The healthcare facility available here is nice with the better public as well as private healthcare service providers. The below guide will help you to explore more about the state. You will get all the basic information about South Carolina here and some statistics.
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Cost of Living
According to worldpopulationreview, South Carolina’s cost of living index is 95.9. It is comparatively lower than the united states index average of 100. The cost of living in South Carolina is less than average across the United States. In South Carolina, living costs 8.9% less than they do on average nationwide. South Carolina is the 18th lowest of all states in terms of cost of living.
There are eight metropolitan areas in South Carolina. The Charleston-North Charleston metro area has the most expensive living costs in South Carolina. The cost of living is 3.2% lower than the national average and 5.7% higher than the statewide average.
| Cost of Living | South Carolina | US |
| Median Home Value | $154,800.00 | $204,900.00 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $868.00 | $1,023.00 |
| Average Car Insurance | $1,270.00 | $1,517.00 |
| Healthcare cost for Single Adult | $5,033.00 | $4,266.00 |
| Healthcare cost for family of four | $15,192.00 | $12,950.00 |
| Food cost for Single Adult | $3,080.00 | $3,240.00 |
| Food cost for family of four | $8,895.00 | $9,354.00 |
| Annual Child care cost | $5,711.00 | $8,903.00 |
| Annual Taxes | $6,218.00 | $6,542.00 |
Does South Carolina Have a Good Job Market?
According to U.S. News, South Carolina ranks 19 in the nation for employment. In South Carolina, the average household income is $70,093. While the median household income is $51,015. The most wanted job in South Carolina is Physician assistant with an average annual salary of $103,710
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, South Carolina’s current unemployment rate in February 2021 was 5.2 %, which is lower than the 6.2% average Unemployment Rate in the United States. It is 8.8x more common for a worker in South Carolina to be an Early Intervention Specialist than all U.S. workers.
Tip: The most wanted job in South Carolina is Physician assistant.
The Most Common Jobs in South Carolina
| Rank | Job Market | Local Jobs | Local Popularity Index |
| 1 | Retail salespersons | 45,330 | 1.1 |
| 2 | Cashiers | 39,480 | 1.2 |
| 3 | Waiters and waitresses | 29,740 | 1.4 |
| 4 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 29,080 | 1.3 |
| 5 | Office clerks, general | 26,190 | 0.9 |
| 6 | Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food | 22,840 | 1.1 |
| 7 | General and operations managers | 22,110 | 1.4 |
| 8 | Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 21,910 | 1.1 |
| 9 | Customer service representatives | 21,510 | 1.0 |
| 10 | Team assemblers | 21,370 | 2.1 |
Highest paying jobs in South Carolina
| Rank | Job Description | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
| 1 | All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $202,010 | $58,930 |
| 2 | Chief Executives | $170,210 | $19,360 |
| 3 | Nurse Anesthetists | $168,320 | $59,520 |
| 4 | General Dentists | $167,280 | $80,220 |
| 5 | Psychiatrists | $163,900 | $73,160 |
| 6 | General Pediatricians | $161,650 | $93,140 |
| 7 | Podiatrists | $157,650 | $56,290 |
| 8 | Other Specialists Dentists | $131,880 | $109,130 |
| 9 | Other Physical Scientists | $128,770 | $73,370 |
| 10 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $128,740 | $82,470 |
The largest employer in South Carolina
| # | Employer | City | Number of Employees |
| 1 | Children’s Hospital | Charleston | 15,000 |
| 2 | Medical University of SC | Charleston | 12,000 |
| 3 | BMW Manufacturing | Greer | 11,000 |
| 4 | Boeing Co | North Charleston | 7,500 |
| 5 | Greenville Memorial Hospital | Greenville | 5,463 |
| 6 | Berkeley Hall Club | Bluffton | 5,000 |
| 7 | Mcleod Health | Florence | 5,000 |
| 8 | Medical University Charleston | Charleston | 5,000 |
| 9 | Spartanburg Regional | Spartanburg | 5,000 |
| 10 | ABB Inc | Greenville | 4,600 |
Tax Rate – Income Tax Rate
The warm weather and sandy beaches of South Carolina make it an attractive location for outsiders looking to relocate. A state license plate from South Carolina reads, “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places,” but is its tax system as welcoming to residents as it is to anyone seeking a new life? Answering this question depends on the details of your situation.
Despite South Carolina’s top income tax rate of 7%, its bottom rate is surprisingly low. While a number of non-Los Angeles counties have low property taxes or no state income taxes, the state still ranks in the top 20 for sales tax in the country when including local rates.
Fact: South Carolina’s Top Income Tax Rate is 7%.
South Carolina income Tax:
South Carolina state applicable to dividends and interest income. South Carolina state has a progressive tax structure. South Carolina state tax is divided into 6 number brackets with tax rates of 0%-7% applicable on income range of $3,110-$15,560.
South Carolina Sales Tax:
South Carolina state is ranked 17 nationwide. In South Carolina, the state sales tax is 6.00%, and the average local tax rate is 1.46%.
South Carolina Property Tax:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina state’s median property tax is $798, with an effective property tax rate of 0.52 %.
South Carolina Gas Tax:
South Carolina state has a $0.2275 / gallon gasoline tax and $0.2275 / gallon diesel tax.
South Carolina Cigarettes Tax:
South Carolina state ranks 46th out of 50 states in the cigarette tax. In South Carolina, the cigarette tax per pack of 20 is $0.57.
Does South Carolina Have a Good Economy?
South Carolina has 32nd rank for its economic outlook and 7th rank for economic performance rank. The State of South Carolina is ranked second highest in COVID economic exposure among the U.S.
There are 1,692,270 employees employed in COVID-19-exposed industries in South Carolina, totaling 70% of all employees. Among all 50 states, South Carolina has a population of 5,148,714 and a population growth of 1.3% annually, ranking 9th.
In 2019, South Carolina’s GSP increased by 3.1% to reach $213.5bn. South Carolina’s GSP growth ranks 11th out of all 50 U.S. states.
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Is South Carolina Good for Education?
According to U.S. News, South Carolina is ranked 44th overall in the United States education system, 45th for higher education and 42nd for Pre-K-12. South Carolina is ranked 42nd for quality of education in public schools among all 50 states by WalletHub.
South Carolina schools spend $10,856 per pupil for a total of $8.1 billion annually. That’s the equivalent of 3.9% of taxpayer income. 45,100 college students graduate annually in South Carolina.
The cost of the average community college in South Carolina is $4,640 for In-state tuition and $9,760 for out-of-state tuition. In South Carolina, public university costs $23,806, which is more than the national average of $21,216.
Fact: South Carolina schools spend $10,856 per pupil for a total of $8.1 billion annually.
| Education Rank | 12 |
| State | South Carolina |
| In-State Total | $23,806 |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $13,403 |
| Room & Board | $10,403 |
| Out-Of-State | $33,139 |
According to bestcolleges.com
Top Colleges in South Carolina
- Clemson University – Clemson, SC
- Columbia International University – Columbia, SC
- The Citadel – Charleston, SC
- North Greenville University – Tigerville, SC
- Furman University – Greenville, SC
- University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
- Southern Wesleyan University – Central, SC
- University of South Carolina – Aiken, SC
- Wofford College – Spartanburg, SC
- University of South Carolina – Spartanburg, SC
Healthcare System
On average, health costs in Maine are just 2.3% more than those nationally.
A good hospital is one of the most important factors in relocating. There are plenty of opportunities for all types of people in Palmetto State, whether you’re starting a family or looking for assistance as you age.
The fact that South Carolina is so desirable makes it a magnet for top doctors. Neither South Carolina nor North Carolina is the best state for health care. The health care costs in this state rank #34 in the region, so it is not accessible to all citizens.
A move to Charleston, or any other major city in South Carolina, is unlikely to result in a health care crisis. If you move to a smaller rural area, the situation can become even more precarious.
Fact: The health care costs in this state rank #34 in the region.
Best Hospitals in South Carolina
Here are some of the top hospitals in South Carolina:
- MUSC Health-University Medical Center
- Bon Secours St. Francis Health System-Greenville
- Spartanburg Medical Center
- McLeod Regional Medical Center
- Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
Is Housing Cheap In South Carolina?
North Carolina is a bit more expensive than South Carolina in terms of median home value at $210,766. Charleston and North Charleston metro areas have a median home value of $275,294. Some houses in the area have staircases leading to front porches — a feature that’s both elegant and functional since the area is often flooded by the ocean and rivers surrounding it.
Related: Moving to North Carolina
According to homesnacks.com, here are the
Most Affordable Places To Live In South Carolina
- Fountain Inn
- Laurens
- Irmo
- Lake City
- Union
- Dillon
- North Augusta
- Batesburg-Leesville
- Simpsonville
- Mauldin
Most expensive places to live in South Carolina for 2021:
- Port Royal
- Clemson
- Myrtle Beach
- Georgetown
- Hardeeville
- Charleston
- Greenville
- North Charleston
- Bluffton
- Hilton Head Island
Does South Carolina have Bad Weather?
Summers in South Carolina is hot and humid, while the winters are moderate. It has a humid subtropical climate and mild to cold winters. In South Carolina, summers are hot, humid, and usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) on average.
The Midlands drop well below freezing in January and the Upstate area significantly below freezing. Spring and autumn are wetter inland than on the coast, which receives the highest rainfall in the summer.
December is one of the wettest months in the interior, and winter is one of the driest seasons. There is only one inch of snowfall in the coastal area every year, so snow cover is rare.
Snow is rare in the winter; instead, ice, rain, and sleet are expected. Winters in mountain areas usually are about 200 days, while coastal areas have more than 280 days.
Fact: In South Carolina, summers are hot, humid, and usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) on average.
Weather hazards
South Carolina is susceptible to thunderstorms, floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tropical cyclones. It’s time for thunderstorms, high winds, and hail in the spring and summer. However, it is more common to witness tornadoes between March and June, not just during April.
It rains heavily during tropical storms, sometimes even in the interior. Along the central coast of South Carolina, the Charleston area is frequently shaken by earthquakes.
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Living in South Carolina – Is it a Good Place to Live?
Pros
- Stunning natural beauty
The state of South Carolina is filled with gently rolling hills, shimmering coastline, historic towns, and amazing natural vistas. This is one of the most beautiful states in the country to live in.
- Southern Hospitality
People residing here are exceptionally friendly in nature and are welcoming to visitors. Southern hospitality is still alive in the state.
- Relaxed way of living
This state is known for its slower pace of living and is totally far away from the chaos of the metropolitan area. It allows you to experience the joy of simple living.
- Decent Weather conditions
The weather in South Carolina is way better than in many other states in the country. It enjoys a blue sky, more sunny days, and low humidity.
- Plentiful outdoor activities
There are numerous ways of enjoying the outdoors in this beautiful state. Here, you can indulge in adventures like kayaking, swimming, canoeing, river rafting, boating, golfing, etc.
- Remarkable cultural scene
The state is well-known for its unique culture and is home to the country’s oldest continuously operating theater groups. Here, you can find 30+ galleries, professional ballet groups, and orchestras to enjoy its culture.
Cons
- A bit expensive
Living in South Carolina is a bit expensive when you compare the cost of essentials. Though the state’s cost of living index is lower than the nationwide average, you still have to pay more utilities and healthcare.
- Crime Rate
The overall crime rate in the state (both violent and property) is considerably higher than the US average.
- Construction is the way of life.
The state is suffering from significant construction issues that can interrupt your normal living in several ways. It frequently creates noise pollution and makes life challenging.
- Prone to hurricanes
South Carolina is a hurricane-prone area. Therefore, one should get ready with effective measures to cope-up with this natural disaster.
- Steep tax rates
The state boasts a higher overall tax burden, and people living here are required to pay heavy taxes on the items they purchase.
- Bugs and Pests
South Carolina is full of creepy bugs and pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, spiders, etc. Always keep bug spray within reach to stay safe.
- Weird laws
This state is home to utterly absurd and wacky laws. For instance, it is illegal to keep a horse in a bathtub; it is an offense to get a tattoo, etc.
Fact: People residing here are exceptionally friendly in nature and are welcoming to visitors.
Things to Do in South Carolina
- Middleton Place
- Broadway at the Beach
- Hilton Head Island Bike Trails
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park
- Coligny Beach
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Cherry Grove Beach
- Lake Murray
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Lake Jocassee
- Myrtle Beach
- Alligator Adventure
- Hunting Island State Park
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
- McLeod Plantation Historic Site
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Brookgreen Gardens
Conclusion
The above information will help you make better arrangements while moving to South Carolina. You can see above that there are some affordable housing rates where you can either buy or rent the house easily. The list of lower housing rates and higher housing rates places can make it easy to decide to stay at a particular place.
The better quality high schools and universities are well-established here, giving some quality education. The weather in the state is pleasant, where you can experience mild-warm during the summer season, cool during the winter season, and medium rainfall. There are also possibilities of some thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc. Snowfall is rarely experienced in the winter season.
The cities like Columbia, Charleston, etc., are growing as the better economic hub with better job opportunities and business opportunities. These cities also offer an amazing variety of dishes from around the world. Here, you can explore some of the stunningly beautiful places which you will enjoy visiting. The living cost is a little higher in Columbia and the nearby region.
However, there are other amazing places too where you can live better. Before settling to any place, just explore more about the areas that are prone to hurricanes. Although the tax rates are a little higher compared to the other states, this state provides some better facilities. The information given above will help you to plan accordingly while moving to South Carolina. You will experience a pleasant stay in the South Carolina state with the availability of facilities.
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