Bluffton, SC

Very High · 144

South Carolina · Population 31,323 · Updated March 2026

$2,187
Median Rent / Month
$105,463
Median Income
$444,500
Median Home Value
$1,883
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bluffton

24.9%
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

$26,244
Annual Rent
$6,750
State Income Tax
$2,534
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bluffton has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 144 (where 100 equals the national median), Bluffton residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,187/month while earning a median household income of $105,463/year.

The median home value in Bluffton, SC is $444,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,883 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.9% 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 Bluffton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bluffton

What is the cost of living in Bluffton, SC?
The cost of living index in Bluffton, SC is 144 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,187, median household income is $105,463/year, and the median home value is $444,500.
Is Bluffton, SC affordable?
No, Bluffton is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 144. The rent-to-income ratio is 24.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bluffton, SC?
The median gross rent in Bluffton, SC is $2,187 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $26,244.
What is the median household income in Bluffton?
The median household income in Bluffton, SC is $105,463 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%.