Cost of Living in Litchfield Beach, SC

Population 9,544 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

130
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Litchfield Beach skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 63. Reported household income of $74,451 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 65 miles northeast of Charleston, Litchfield Beach is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Charleston's $469,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 134
Rent 124

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Litchfield Beach

The median home value in Litchfield Beach is $409,100 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,623/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,451/year is equal to than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 73.7°F and lows of 56.5°F. Overall, Litchfield Beach has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$409,100
34% above avg
Median Rent
$1,623/mo
24% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.0x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$807
1 BR
$841
2 BR
$1,028
3 BR
$1,294
4 BR
$1,567
Owner-occupied 82.5%
Renter-occupied 17.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,623
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,237/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.0 min
15% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
69.2%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
14.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.4%
Total Sales Tax 7.5%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.5%
Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$74,451
0% below avg
Per Capita Income
$51,677
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
Labor Force Participation
40.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.3%
Graduate degree 15.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 62.7
Male median age 61.8
Female median age 62.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.7°F
Avg Low
56.5°F
Annual Precip
55.6"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 586066738086888783766761
Low °F 394248556370737268584842
Precip" 3.423.203.903.313.355.077.078.336.834.312.823.98

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Litchfield Beach, SC?

Litchfield Beach has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.

What is average rent in Litchfield Beach, SC?

The median gross rent in Litchfield Beach is $1,623 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Litchfield Beach?

The median home value in Litchfield Beach is $409,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Litchfield Beach?

The median household income in Litchfield Beach is $74,451 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Litchfield Beach, SC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Litchfield Beach is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.

Is Litchfield Beach, SC affordable?

Litchfield Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Litchfield Beach?

Litchfield Beach has average high temperatures of 73.7°F and average lows of 56.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Litchfield Beach at a Glance

Population
9,544
Median Income
$74,451
Home Value
$409,100
Median Rent
$1,623/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
73.7°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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