James Island, SC

Above Avg · 122

South Carolina · Population 11,738 · Updated March 2026

$1,443
Median Rent / Month
$100,176
Median Income
$454,200
Median Home Value
$1,737
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in James Island

17.3%
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

$17,316
Annual Rent
$6,411
State Income Tax
$2,589
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

James Island has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 122 (where 100 equals the national median), James Island residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,443/month while earning a median household income of $100,176/year.

The median home value in James Island, SC is $454,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,737 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% 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 James Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in James Island

What is the cost of living in James Island, SC?
The cost of living index in James Island, SC is 122 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,443, median household income is $100,176/year, and the median home value is $454,200.
Is James Island, SC affordable?
No, James Island is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 122. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in James Island, SC?
The median gross rent in James Island, SC is $1,443 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,316.
What is the median household income in James Island?
The median household income in James Island, SC is $100,176 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%.