Cost of Living in Newport, SC

Population 4,142 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

102
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Newport sits on the smaller end of the South Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Newport sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Charlotte — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 102

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

About the Cost of Living in Newport

The median home value in Newport is $310,300 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $107,143/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.4%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 49.7°F. Overall, Newport has a cost of living index of 102 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$310,300
2% above avg
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 96.0%
Renter-occupied 4.0%

🛒 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
28.3 min
5% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.3%
Carpooled
3.8%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
18.3%

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
$107,143
44% above avg
Per Capita Income
$49,391
Unemployment Rate
0.4%
91% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.9%
Labor Force Participation
67.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.7%
Graduate degree 15.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42
Male median age 42.6
Female median age 41.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.3°F
Avg Low
49.7°F
Annual Precip
42.4"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 525764748087908983736355
Low °F 313440485766696862493933
Precip" 3.473.153.783.553.163.974.023.983.423.013.253.62

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 47 — Good
58.4%
Good air days/yr
115
Max AQI recorded
196
PM2.5 days
169
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Newport, SC?

Newport has a cost index of 102 (100 = national average). It is 2% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Newport?

The median home value in Newport is $310,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Newport?

The median household income in Newport is $107,143 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Newport, SC?

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

Is Newport, SC affordable?

Newport is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 102 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Newport?

Newport has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 49.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.