Cost of Living in Beaufort, SC
Population 13,660 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Beaufort is a smaller South Carolina community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,454 and housing costs ($310,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Beaufort is about 40 miles northeast of Savannah, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Savannah's $225,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Beaufort
The median home value in Beaufort is $310,400 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,061/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,454/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 76.8°F and lows of 57.6°F. Overall, Beaufort has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 78 | 69 | 63 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 49 | 56 | 64 | 71 | 75 | 74 | 70 | 59 | 48 | 43 |
| Precip" | 2.90 | 2.91 | 3.11 | 3.06 | 2.50 | 4.99 | 5.57 | 6.50 | 4.03 | 3.77 | 2.51 | 3.17 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Beaufort, SC?
Beaufort has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in Beaufort, SC?
The median gross rent in Beaufort is $1,061 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Beaufort?
The median home value in Beaufort is $310,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Beaufort?
The median household income in Beaufort is $59,454 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Beaufort, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Beaufort is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Beaufort, SC affordable?
Beaufort is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Beaufort?
Beaufort has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 57.6°F. Annual precipitation is 45". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Beaufort at a Glance
- Population
- 13,660
- Median Income
- $59,454
- Home Value
- $310,400
- Median Rent
- $1,061/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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