Cost of Living in Summerville, SC
Population 51,262 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Summerville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $78,621 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 9 miles northwest of North Charleston, Summerville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than North Charleston's $268,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Summerville
The median home value in Summerville is $295,700 — 3% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,414/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,621/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 76.6°F and lows of 56.4°F. Overall, Summerville has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% 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 | 60 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 91 | 90 | 85 | 78 | 69 | 63 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 47 | 55 | 63 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 58 | 47 | 42 |
| Precip" | 3.37 | 3.05 | 3.35 | 3.29 | 3.32 | 6.21 | 6.60 | 6.97 | 6.01 | 4.33 | 2.66 | 3.35 |
| Snow" | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Summerville, SC?
Summerville has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.
What is average rent in Summerville, SC?
The median gross rent in Summerville is $1,414 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Summerville?
The median home value in Summerville is $295,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Summerville?
The median household income in Summerville is $78,621 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Summerville, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Summerville is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Summerville, SC affordable?
Summerville is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Summerville?
Summerville has average high temperatures of 76.6°F and average lows of 56.4°F. Annual precipitation is 52.5". Average annual snowfall is 0.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Summerville at a Glance
- Population
- 51,262
- Median Income
- $78,621
- Home Value
- $295,700
- Median Rent
- $1,414/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.6°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