The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in South Carolina

South Carolina is well known for its beautiful beaches, gardens, tasty food, and stunning palmetto trees. Whether you’re here for the barbecue, hiking trails, or even the golf courses, South Carolina has something to offer everyone. If you’re looking to move to The Palmetto State, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top ten most affordable cities to help inform your decision so you can buy or build your dream home and have a great place to live.

10 Most Affordable Cities

1. Greenwood

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.89

Average Property Tax: $672

Median Household Income: $33,699

Greenwood lands the title of most affordable city in South Carolina. Located in western South Carolina, Greenwood is the home of Lander University. Check out the museums and stores located along Main Street, or spend a day relaxing at West Cambridge Park.

2. Newberry

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.99

Average Property Tax: $801

Median Household Income: $31,831

Newberry is located approximately 38 miles east of Greenwood. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll be pleased to know that Newberry is home to great hiking trails and green spaces like the Wells Japanese Garden. 

3. Gaffney

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.58

Average Property Tax: $589

Median Household Income: $31,047

Life is peachy in Gaffney! The city gained its nickname of “Peach Capital of South Carolina” from its large amount of peach orchards. Other highlights of this sweet city include a local history and art museum, a veteran’s museum, and a community performing arts theater.

4. Anderson

Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.10

Average Property Tax: $780

Median Household Income: $33,351

Located in western South Carolina, Anderson is home to over 26,000 residents. Enjoy spending days exploring the historic district, shopping at the local malls, or brushing up on local history at their museums. On warm summer days, don’t forget to cool down at Lake Hartwell, which is a convenient drive just north of town.

5. Spartanburg

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.14

Average Property Tax: $804

Median Household Income: $40,053

Spartanburg is a northern city bursting with character. You’ll find several parks and nature preserves throughout town, each containing unique features such as an amphitheater, hiking trails, and sculptures. Other interesting details from Spartanburg include the Hub City Railroad Museum, TJC Gallery, and the Piedmont Interstate Fair.

6. Orangeburg

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.36

Average Property Tax: $708

Median Household Income: $31,455

Orangeburg is located in central South Carolina and has a population of roughly 13,000 residents. The city is called “The Garden City” for its illustrious and bountiful flowers and gardens, such as the ones in Edisto Memorial Gardens. Orangeburg is also home to South Carolina State University, which includes a free on-campus museum and planetarium.

7. Sumter

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.85

Average Property Tax: $875

Median Household Income: $40,662

Approximately 43 miles east of Columbia, Sumter is home to around 20,000 residents. Enjoy relaxing at the tranquil Swan Lake Iris Gardens, shopping at the Sumter Mall, or viewing the displays at the Sumter County Gallery of Art.

8. North Augusta

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.69

Average Property Tax: $757

Median Household Income: $59,931

North Augusta resides along the Georgia-South Carolina border, just north of Augusta, Georgia. The Savannah River lines the city’s southern border, and you’ll find plenty of riverside parks and sports courts along the shore.

9. Cayce

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.47

Average Property Tax: $727

Median Household Income: $52,582

Cayce is located directly south of Columbia and along the Congaree River. Outdoor lovers will love work up a sweat hiking along the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve trails or relax and cheer for your favorite driver at the Historic Columbia Speedway.

10. Easley

Home Price to Income Ratio: 3.05

Average Property Tax: $751

Median Household Income: $52,414

It’s easy living in Easley! You’ll find all the urban amenities you love, as well as plenty of entertainment opportunities like a roller skating rink, movie theater, parks, and sports complexes.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Irmo
• Simpsonville
• Mauldin