Cost of Living in Ridgeland, SC

Population 3,756 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

70
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ridgeland offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $210,000 — costs less than 3 times median household income of $71,023, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Located 35 miles northeast of Savannah, Ridgeland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Savannah's $225,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 71

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

About the Cost of Living in Ridgeland

The median home value in Ridgeland is $209,900 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $927/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,023/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, 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 76.8°F and lows of 57.6°F. Overall, Ridgeland has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$209,900
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$315,972
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$927/mo
29% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,974/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.9x
Favors buying
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 55.5%
Renter-occupied 44.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$927
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,541/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
31.3 min
16% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.8%
Carpooled
24.3%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
1.5%

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
$71,023
5% below avg
Per Capita Income
$18,798
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
25% below avg
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Labor Force Participation
51.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 7.4%
Graduate degree 2.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 32.9
Male median age 34.9
Female median age 30.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
76.8°F
Avg Low
57.6°F
Annual Precip
45"
Annual Snowfall
0"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 606470778489929086786963
Low °F 404349566471757470594843
Precip" 2.902.913.113.062.504.995.576.504.033.772.513.17

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
2,656
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ridgeland, SC?

Ridgeland has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ridgeland, SC?

The median gross rent in Ridgeland is $927 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ridgeland?

The median home value in Ridgeland is $209,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ridgeland?

The median household income in Ridgeland is $71,023 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ridgeland, SC?

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

Is Ridgeland, SC affordable?

Yes, Ridgeland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Ridgeland?

Ridgeland has average high temperatures of 76.8°F and average lows of 57.6°F. Annual precipitation is 45". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ridgeland at a Glance

Population
3,756
Median Income
$71,023
Home Value
$209,900
Median Rent
$927/mo
Unemployment
3.6%
Avg High Temp
76.8°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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