Cost of Living in Bluffton, SC
Population 31,323 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Bluffton's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $105,463 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Bluffton sits roughly 20 miles northeast of Savannah — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 97% higher than Savannah's $225,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bluffton
The median home value in Bluffton is $444,500 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,187/month, 66% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,463/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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 77.7°F and lows of 57.2°F. Overall, Bluffton has a cost of living index of 154 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% more 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 | 61 | 65 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 90 | 92 | 91 | 86 | 79 | 70 | 64 |
| Low °F | 40 | 43 | 49 | 55 | 63 | 71 | 74 | 73 | 69 | 59 | 48 | 43 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.80 | 3.50 | 3.39 | 3.62 | 6.65 | 5.75 | 5.46 | 4.35 | 3.72 | 2.39 | 3.21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton has a cost index of 154 (100 = national average). It is 54% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bluffton, SC?
The median gross rent in Bluffton is $2,187 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bluffton?
The median home value in Bluffton is $444,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bluffton?
The median household income in Bluffton is $105,463 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bluffton, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bluffton is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Bluffton, SC affordable?
Bluffton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 154 — about 54% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bluffton?
Bluffton has average high temperatures of 77.7°F and average lows of 57.2°F. Annual precipitation is 48.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bluffton at a Glance
- Population
- 31,323
- Median Income
- $105,463
- Home Value
- $444,500
- Median Rent
- $2,187/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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