Cost of Living in Socastee, SC
Population 24,629 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Socastee 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.
Geographically, Socastee is about 75 miles southwest of Wilmington, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Wilmington's $350,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Socastee
The median home value in Socastee is $218,200 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,244/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,826/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above 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 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Socastee has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less 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 | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Socastee, SC?
Socastee has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Socastee, SC?
The median gross rent in Socastee is $1,244 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Socastee?
The median home value in Socastee is $218,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Socastee?
The median household income in Socastee is $59,826 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Socastee, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Socastee is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Socastee, SC affordable?
Yes, Socastee is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Socastee?
Socastee has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Socastee at a Glance
- Population
- 24,629
- Median Income
- $59,826
- Home Value
- $218,200
- Median Rent
- $1,244/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°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