Cost of Living in Carolina Forest, SC
Population 26,373 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Carolina Forest lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $299,000 — 2% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in South Carolina. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Carolina Forest is about 65 miles southwest of Wilmington, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Carolina Forest
The median home value in Carolina Forest is $298,700 — 2% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,567/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,647/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, above 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 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Carolina Forest has a cost of living index of 106 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% 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 | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Carolina Forest, SC?
Carolina Forest has a cost index of 106 (100 = national average). It is 6% above the national average.
What is average rent in Carolina Forest, SC?
The median gross rent in Carolina Forest is $1,567 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Carolina Forest?
The median home value in Carolina Forest is $298,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Carolina Forest?
The median household income in Carolina Forest is $70,647 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Carolina Forest, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Carolina Forest is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Carolina Forest, SC affordable?
Carolina Forest is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 106 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Carolina Forest?
Carolina Forest has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Carolina Forest at a Glance
- Population
- 26,373
- Median Income
- $70,647
- Home Value
- $298,700
- Median Rent
- $1,567/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs