Average Rent in South Carolina
Rental market overview for South Carolina, powered by HUD and Census data.
Median Rent
$941
Median Income
$56,788
Rent Burden
30.2%
Avg FMR (2BR)
N/A
Affordability
South Carolina: 30.2% rent burden, above the 30% affordability threshold.
Affordability Map: Income vs Rent in South Carolina
Each dot is a city, sized by population. The diagonal line is the 30% rent to income threshold. Cities above the line tend to be unaffordable for median earners.
How South Carolina Compares to the National Average
Median Rent
Rent Burden
Vacancy Rate
South Carolina Rental Market Overview
South Carolina has approximately 465 cities with rental data tracked by StayRentals. Roughly 30.4% of housing units in the state are renter-occupied. The state's median rent is approximately $941, which is 31% lower than the national median of $1,365. (Source: Census ACS)
The average South Carolina renter spends approximately 30.2% of their income on rent, compared to the national average of approximately 30.3%. This suggests the state is generally in line with or more affordable than national averages. (Source: Census ACS)
With a rental vacancy rate of approximately 18.3%, the South Carolina rental market may offer renters more options and negotiating power. (Source: Census ACS)
Rent Burden Distribution Across South Carolina Cities
54% of cities in South Carolina have a rent burden at or above 30% of household income.
Most and Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable Cities
Most affordable cities (lowest rent burden):
Most expensive cities (highest rent burden):
HUD Fair Market Rent by Bedroom
HUD Fair Market Rent data is reported at the county level for this state. See city pages for local FMR data.
Population vs Median Rent in South Carolina
In South Carolina, larger cities tend to have higher rents than smaller towns.
Renting in South Carolina: What to Know
Renter protections and landlord-tenant laws vary by state and municipality within South Carolina. Most states require landlords to provide advance notice before raising rent on month-to-month leases, though the specific notice period varies. Some municipalities within South Carolina may have additional local tenant protections.
Housing laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a local tenant rights organization, legal aid society, or attorney. StayRentals does not provide legal advice.
South Carolina Rental Market Trends
Rent trends for South Carolina are tracked through the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for shelter costs. Nationally, rent costs have generally increased over the past decade, though the rate of increase varies by metro area and time period.
Detailed monthly rent CPI data is available for major metropolitan areas. Visit our homepage for the national rent CPI trend chart, or explore individual city pages for local context. (Source: BLS Consumer Price Index)
Cities in South Carolina
465 cities with rental data, sorted by population.
Showing top 50 of 465 by population
| City | Population | Median Rent | Rent Burden | FMR (2BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 149,960 | $1,517 | 31.0% | N/A |
| Columbia | 136,754 | $1,105 | 33.8% | N/A |
| North Charleston | 115,755 | $1,288 | 32.1% | N/A |
| Mount Pleasant | 90,945 | $1,901 | 32.4% | N/A |
| Rock Hill | 74,170 | $1,193 | 30.8% | N/A |
| Greenville | 70,838 | $1,173 | 29.6% | N/A |
| Summerville | 50,839 | $1,328 | 31.7% | N/A |
| Goose Creek | 45,858 | $1,507 | 29.9% | N/A |
| Sumter | 43,046 | $1,019 | 30.9% | N/A |
| Florence | 39,931 | $868 | 31.7% | N/A |
| Spartanburg | 38,301 | $983 | 30.8% | N/A |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,708 | $1,563 | 31.2% | N/A |
| Greer | 37,010 | $1,060 | 28.7% | N/A |
| Myrtle Beach | 36,064 | $1,093 | 38.6% | N/A |
| Aiken | 32,014 | $1,093 | 31.7% | N/A |
| Bluffton | 29,375 | $2,050 | 32.3% | N/A |
| Anderson | 29,345 | $884 | 32.1% | N/A |
| Fort Mill | 26,022 | $1,325 | 29.3% | N/A |
| Mauldin | 25,267 | $1,342 | 23.4% | N/A |
| Conway | 25,121 | $883 | 30.0% | N/A |
| Carolina Forest | 24,823 | $1,411 | 29.1% | N/A |
| Socastee | 24,464 | $1,132 | 29.2% | N/A |
| North Augusta | 24,425 | $969 | 24.2% | N/A |
| Simpsonville | 24,133 | $1,190 | 25.2% | N/A |
| Lexington | 23,665 | $1,270 | 27.8% | N/A |
| Easley | 23,135 | $852 | 35.8% | N/A |
| Taylors | 23,005 | $1,160 | 28.4% | N/A |
| Greenwood | 22,528 | $793 | 32.0% | N/A |
| St. Andrews | 21,909 | $1,030 | 33.7% | N/A |
| Wade Hampton | 21,029 | $1,022 | 25.4% | N/A |
| Hanahan | 20,731 | $1,290 | 32.5% | N/A |
| North Myrtle Beach | 18,850 | $1,263 | 27.4% | N/A |
| Five Forks | 18,592 | $2,053 | 51.0% | N/A |
| Clemson | 17,557 | $963 | 40.6% | N/A |
| West Columbia | 17,459 | $982 | 27.6% | N/A |
| Dentsville | 16,399 | $1,125 | 36.9% | N/A |
| Berea | 16,184 | $995 | 35.3% | N/A |
| Seven Oaks | 15,826 | $1,119 | 30.4% | N/A |
| Red Hill | 15,585 | $1,058 | 30.2% | N/A |
| Ladson | 15,298 | $1,405 | 26.4% | N/A |
| Port Royal | 14,573 | $1,476 | 28.0% | N/A |
| Lake Wylie | 14,382 | $1,431 | 33.4% | N/A |
| Gantt | 14,276 | $931 | 32.6% | N/A |
| Cayce | 13,755 | $1,246 | 29.8% | N/A |
| Beaufort | 13,582 | $1,016 | 32.9% | N/A |
| Moncks Corner | 13,456 | $1,129 | 30.7% | N/A |
| Orangeburg | 13,220 | $722 | 51.0% | N/A |
| Tega Cay | 12,816 | $1,253 | 12.6% | N/A |
| Gaffney | 12,651 | $837 | 29.4% | N/A |
| Parker | 12,466 | $981 | 35.3% | N/A |
Data Sources
**Data Sources:**
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.