Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant, SC
Population 92,662 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Mount Pleasant sits 119% above the national median — $667,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $121,364 (63% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 6 miles east of Charleston, Mount Pleasant falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 42% higher than Charleston's $469,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $667,100 — 119% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,026/month, 54% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $121,364/year is 63% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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, Mount Pleasant has a cost of living index of 193 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 93% 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 Mount Pleasant, SC?
Mount Pleasant has a cost index of 193 (100 = national average). It is 93% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mount Pleasant, SC?
The median gross rent in Mount Pleasant is $2,026 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mount Pleasant?
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $667,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mount Pleasant?
The median household income in Mount Pleasant is $121,364 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mount Pleasant, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mount Pleasant is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Mount Pleasant, SC affordable?
Mount Pleasant is above average in cost of living, with an index of 193 — about 93% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant 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.
Mount Pleasant at a Glance
- Population
- 92,662
- Median Income
- $121,364
- Home Value
- $667,100
- Median Rent
- $2,026/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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