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South Carolina cost of living & income (2026)

Quick answer: South Carolina has a cost-of-living index of 91.9 (100 = national baseline), an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $45,950, median household income of $72,350, combined average sales tax about 7.44%, and regular gas about $3.531/gal in the June 2026 AAA snapshot used on the hub.

COL index91.9100 = US baseline
Est. annual COL$45,950
Median HH income$72,350
Sales tax (comb.)7.44%
Gas (87 octane)$3.531/galJune 2026 AAA
Largest cityCharleston (155,369)

Taxes & economy

Income tax: Graduated up to 6% (temporary reductions)

Sales tax: 6% state (combined avg. ~7.44%)

Major industries: Manufacturing (autos, tires, aerospace), tourism (beaches/history), agriculture, ports

Climate snapshot

Summer high ~90°F (July) · Winter low ~35°F (January)

Culture (context)

Charleston historic district / Patriots Point

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FAQ

What is South Carolina's cost of living index?

South Carolina's cost-of-living index is 91.9 (national baseline 100) in this 2026 classroom snapshot.

What is the estimated annual cost of living in South Carolina?

The explorer lists an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $45,950 for South Carolina.

What is median household income in South Carolina?

Median household income in South Carolina is $72,350 in this dataset.

What is the combined average sales tax rate in South Carolina?

The combined average sales tax rate shown for South Carolina is 7.44%. State and local rules vary; see the Tax Foundation citation on the hub.

Does South Carolina have a state income tax?

State income tax in South Carolina: Graduated up to 6% (temporary reductions).

What was regular gas in South Carolina in this snapshot?

87-octane gas is listed at $3.531 per gallon (AAA, June 2026) in the explorer data.

Sources on the hub: Tax Foundation (sales tax), BEA / ACS (income & COL), AAA gas (June 20, 2026). Educational snapshot — not relocation or tax advice.