7 Cheapest Places to Live in South Carolina

With a cost of living that is 6% lower than the national average, South Carolina is becoming a popular place for those moving to the Southeast. Its beautiful beaches, Southern hospitality, and rich historical background all contribute to its charm. People are moving to the state because of its year-round pleasant weather conditions, affordable home prices, and the many opportunities for outdoor activities for every age group. 

If you are considering relocating to the Palmetto State, we have composed this list of affordable cities that might make your choice of where to move a little easier. Hopefully, one of these affordable cities will be your new home. 

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1. Orangeburg

Located in the southern Midlands of South Carolina is Orangeburg. Its nickname is “The Garden City,” and it is another one of the state’s cheapest places to live. Orangeburg is home to approximately 12,000 residents.

Orangeburg contains some of the state’s best hunting, fishing, and golfing areas. Nearby Santee State Park is an immensely popular destination with many opportunities for recreation like boating, fishing, and camping. The park has numerous hiking and biking trails. The Edisto River also provides great recreational activities. Families with children love Orangeburg County Aquatic Park. It contains a lazy river, two family fun slides, a zero-depth pool, a children’s play area, a pool for toddlers, and a bowl slide that ends in a plunge pool.

Edisto Memorial Gardens, located along the beautiful Edisto River, has award-winning rose displays and a 2600-foot boardwalk across an amazing wetlands ecosystem. The Gardens are a popular tourist attraction in the city.

There are two noteworthy colleges in Orangeburg: Claflin University and South Carolina State University. Both schools are excellent and offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The unemployment rate in Orangeburg County is 7%, so there is a lack of job opportunities in the town. However, because of its close proximity to Columbia and other cities, the job market is favorable for those willing to commute.

Orangeburg is 18% less expensive than the national average and 10% less expensive to live in than the average city in South Carolina. The city’s median price for a house is $101,000, and the average rental rate for an apartment is $791.

2. Greenwood

Located in the Upstate of South Carolina, Greenwood is a thriving city close to the Georgia state line. The town has a population of 22,477. It is a popular area for families and young professionals. It has an ever-expanding art scene, known as the Emerald Triangle, which includes the renovation of three cultural facilities that are in the uptown area of Greenwood. The facilities include an art center, a museum, and a community theater.

Greenwood is a town filled with fun and Southern charm. Residents can enjoy boutique shopping and thriving local restaurants. Lake Greenwood provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, encompassing over 11,000 sparkling acres.

Greenwood has a strong manufacturing presence with emphasis in pharmaceuticals and other healthcare-related industries.

The average cost of a home in Greenwood is $111,500. That is 15% lower than the national average and 12% lower than the South Carolina state average. Greenwood’s median price for a rental unit is $793.

3. Newberry

Newberry is one of the cheapest areas in the state’s Midlands. With a population of just over 10,000, it is a small city. It was recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the “Most Charming Small Towns in America.” It’s a place that resonates small-town charm. However, Newberry is also home to a multitude of boutique shops, great restaurants, and other attractions. The town is also home to Newberry College, one of the South’s most well-known private colleges.

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Newberry is within easy access to beautiful Lake Murray and Lake Greenwood. These lakes allow residents to participate in an abundance of outdoor water activities. Locals have access to two great parks: Sumter National Park and Lynch’s Woods. Both parks have great hiking trails and camping areas. Newberry County has several golf courses. Additionally, there are vineyards in the vicinity that add a unique quality to the area. 

With its easy access to Columbia and Greenville, Newberry is in a perfect location for job seekers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of a small town while taking advantage of employment opportunities in more populated areas.

The average cost of a home in Newberry is $191,300, which is 43.4% less expensive than the national average and 26.4% less expensive than the average South Carolina home. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Newberry is $880, which is 38.5% cheaper than the national average and 26.1% cheaper than the South Carolina state average.

4. Gaffney

Located in Upstate South Carolina, close to the North Carolina border, Gaffney has over 12,000 residents. Gaffney offers its locals a blend of small-town charm and community spirit. The town is known for its friendly people and slow pace of life. Its Southern charm makes it a desirable place to live or visit. It’s conveniently close to the mountains, within a short commute to the beach, and a quick run to several large cities.

Gaffney has a rich history and there are many opportunities for activities like visiting local museums. Limestone College History Museum is a wonderful place for anyone interested in the area’s history. Cowpens National Battlefield has various events and exhibits that celebrate the town’s importance in the Revolutionary War. 

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The town has lots of shopping outlets and restaurants. There are numerous parks and hiking trails. Several lakes in the area are ideal for fishing and boating activities. Gaffney celebrates its heritage throughout the year with numerous festivals and events. The annual Peach Festival highlights the region’s agricultural history and community spirit.

Gaffney is also home to Limestone University. Limestone is an accredited, independent, non-denominational Christian school. The university has programs for graduates and undergraduates.

The economy of Gaffney is a mix of industries. Recent years have brought an economic shift to the small town. Auto manufacturing, health care, and retail industries have added diversification to Gaffney’s traditional agricultural roots. Although agriculture remains a big industry in the area, new industries have given residents more employment opportunities.

Gaffney’s cost of living is lower than the national average. The median home price in Gaffney is $143,300, an astonishing 136% lower than the national average. The average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment is $790 per month. Lower utility bills and groceries make Gaffney the second-cheapest city in South Carolina.  

5. Sumter

Not only is Sumter on our list for being one of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina, it is also the largest city on this list. Located in the Midlands of the state, Sumter is home to almost 43,000 residents. Sumter is a thriving community with excellent employment options. Its main industries are biotechnical, textiles, and agriculture. Additionally, there is a large Air Force base located in the city. 

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Golfers and other outdoor lovers will enjoy the recreational activities that Sumter has to offer. Lake Marion and the Lynches River are excellent places for a multitude of water activities like fishing, swimming, and boating. There are five golf courses in Sumter County and residents are within an hour’s drive of at least forty more. Residents also have access to more than thirty parks that include picnic areas and trails for biking and hiking enthusiasts.

The city has many art galleries and is host to several festivals throughout the year. The Sumter County Gallery of Art and Sumter Little Theatre are very popular. The town is also the proud home of the Swan Lake Iris Gardens that are home to many swans. The Gardens also highlight sculptures made by various local artists.

Housing prices are 52.1% less expensive than the national average and 37.7% less expensive than other parts of South Carolina. A typical home costs $162,000. Rent is also affordable with a two-bedroom apartment averaging around $914 per month. However, utility bills and groceries are above the national average. For example, the average utility bill in Sumter is $224 per month, 37% above the national average.

6. Laurens

Laurens, also in the Upstate northwestern portion of South Carolina, is another affordable area of the state. Close to Greenville, it is a small town with easy access to larger communities. It is home to approximately 9,000 residents, who appreciate the area’s historic buildings and natural beauty. 

History buffs will love the town’s historic district and its large Laurens County Museum. Laurens is within easy access to beautiful Lake Greenwood and Lake Rabon that provide year-round opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The two state parks have numerous campsites and an abundance of nature trails.

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The University of South Carolina has a campus in Laurens. Students can take advantage of smaller classes, affordable tuition, and more personal attention. The school offers a variety of programs to fit its students’ needs.

Laurens County is home to industries that support the state’s automotive industry, and the city’s proximity to Greenville offers numerous job opportunities. 

The average price of a home in Laurens is $120,000, which is 64.5% less expensive than the national average and 53.8% less expensive than the average South Carolina home. The average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in Laurens is $820 per month, which is 42.7% cheaper than the national average and 35.4% cheaper than the South Carolina state average. 

7. Union

Union is a city steeped in Southern charm. Many of its streets are lined with centuries-old antebellum homes and gardens that have been beautifully restored. The city’s historic downtown area is filled with one-of-a-kind specialty shops. 

Residents are proud of the integral role that their city has had in the history of South Carolina and the nation. Revolutionary and Civil War battles were fought in Union County. Rose Hill Plantation State Park, located just a few minutes from Downtown Union, lets visitors experience what life was like in antebellum South Carolina. The park offers tours of the home and its grounds. It also has picnic tables, as well as hiking and bike trails. 

Union is the county seat of Union County, which offers lots of opportunities for leisure activities. The scenic Broad River flows through it, providing electricity and serving as a great source of recreational fun. Fishermen can enjoy the five lakes that traverse through the area. Fishing for bream, bass, and catfish is a very popular pastime. Additionally, the Palmetto Trail, which is a hiking and camping path stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, will cross Union County when the trail is completed.

The unemployment rate in Union is 5.4%, and there are not a lot of industry jobs in the town. However, Union is relatively close to Spartanburg, which is a bustling metropolis with numerous job opportunities.

The University of South Carolina has a small branch campus in Union. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in a small-town setting that is appealing to some students.

With a population of just over 7,000 residents, Union offers a small-town way of life. However, the town is only minutes away from three major metropolitan areas, giving its residents access to a multitude of arts and entertainment choices, as well as job opportunities.

Union’s cost of living is relatively low. Home prices are well below the national average, with a median home value of $108,300. The median rental price for a two-bedroom apartment is just under $700 per month. The total cost of other necessities like food and utilities is 29% lower than the U.S. average.

Conclusion

Many people have chosen to move to South Carolina over the years. Its advantages are its beautiful beaches, lovely historic towns, and comfortable weather. Another advantage is its affordable cost of living, which in South Carolina is 11.5% lower than the national average. Unfortunately, the state is also home to some of the most expensive houses in the United States. Some areas, like Hilton Head and Kiawah Island, are extremely expensive. So, it’s important to research before you decide on where you plan to live. Hopefully, we have provided useful information that will enable you to make an informed decision about where to make your home in beautiful South Carolina.