Beaufort, SC

Below Avg · 84

South Carolina · Population 13,660 · Updated March 2026

$1,061
Median Rent / Month
$59,454
Median Income
$310,400
Median Home Value
$1,136
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Beaufort

21.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in South Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.57%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$12,732
Annual Rent
$3,805
State Income Tax
$1,769
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Beaufort is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 84 (where 100 equals the national median), Beaufort residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,061/month while earning a median household income of $59,454/year.

The median home value in Beaufort, SC is $310,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,136 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Beaufort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Beaufort

What is the cost of living in Beaufort, SC?
The cost of living index in Beaufort, SC is 84 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,061, median household income is $59,454/year, and the median home value is $310,400.
Is Beaufort, SC affordable?
Yes, Beaufort is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 84. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Beaufort, SC?
The median gross rent in Beaufort, SC is $1,061 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,732.
What is the median household income in Beaufort?
The median household income in Beaufort, SC is $59,454 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a top income tax rate of 6.4%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.57%.