Cost of Living in James Island, SC
Population 11,738 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
James Island is a smaller South Carolina community of around 12000 residents, where median household incomes of $100,176 and housing costs ($454,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
James Island sits roughly 7 miles south of Charleston — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Charleston's $469,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in James Island
The median home value in James Island is $454,200 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,443/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,176/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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 73.3°F and lows of 61.1°F. Overall, James Island has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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 | 58 | 60 | 66 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 88 | 86 | 83 | 76 | 67 | 61 |
| Low °F | 44 | 46 | 52 | 60 | 68 | 74 | 77 | 77 | 73 | 63 | 53 | 47 |
| Precip" | 2.56 | 2.56 | 3.03 | 2.96 | 2.58 | 4.85 | 5.08 | 6.11 | 5.25 | 4.07 | 2.30 | 2.91 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in James Island, SC?
James Island has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.
What is average rent in James Island, SC?
The median gross rent in James Island is $1,443 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in James Island?
The median home value in James Island is $454,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in James Island?
The median household income in James Island is $100,176 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in James Island, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in James Island is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is James Island, SC affordable?
James Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in James Island?
James Island has average high temperatures of 73.3°F and average lows of 61.1°F. Annual precipitation is 44.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
James Island at a Glance
- Population
- 11,738
- Median Income
- $100,176
- Home Value
- $454,200
- Median Rent
- $1,443/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.3°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