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Where is the best place to live in South Carolina?
You might have your own opinion, but U.S. News & World Report ranks cities in each state based on their value, desirability, job market strength and quality of life. The media organization is known for its rankings, such as the best hospitals in each state.
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Here are the cities in SC that the group says are the best places to live for 2026-2027:
11 best places to live in SC
#1. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant was named the best place to live in SC this year by U.S. News. The city’s job market opportunities, weather and community helped Mount Pleasant make it to the top of the list.
Although it’s the best place to live in SC, U.S. News says it ranks only 202nd in the country, showing how far behind SC cities are compared to the nation’s best. These are the city’s statistics:
- Population: 91,553
- Average commute: 22 minutes
- Median home value: $675,537
- Median monthly rent: $1,882
- Median household income: $122,539
#2. Greenville
Greenville is one of the most booming cities in SC, and for good reason. Its job market, commute, and cost of living are better than those of other similar-sized metros across the country.
- Population: 82,477
- Average commute: 17 minutes
- Median home value: $461,274
- Median monthly rent: $1,234
- Median household income: $76,686
#3. Florence
Florence’s cost of living is its main advantage, as it is relatively cheaper than many other cities. The job market in Florence is a little weak, but it makes up for it with its affordability.
- Population: 41,387
- Average commute: 17 minutes
- Median home value: $192,970
- Median monthly rent: $828
- Median household income: $61,049
#4. Charleston
Charleston is one of the most popular and beautiful cities in SC, and is also one of the most expensive. The coastal city’s weather, community, and desirability make it hard not to imagine yourself living there, however.
- Population: 163,469
- Average commute: 21 minutes
- Median home value: $488,936
- Median monthly rent: $1,639
- Median household income: $94,333
#5. Sumter
Sumter’s affordability is the city’s main selling point, and its weather and community are nicer than those of many other areas. The job market in Sumter is weaker.
- Population: 44,015
- Average commute: 16 minutes
- Median home value: $207,753
- Median monthly rent: $1,136
- Median household income: $57,092
#6. Rock Hill
In the northern part of SC, Rock Hill is a beautiful city that also offers a lower cost of living. It’s the most populous city in York County, but it also has a weak job market.
- Population: 77,863
- Average commute: 20 minutes
- Median home value: $321,925
- Median monthly rent: $1,136
- Median household income: $66,679
#7. Columbia
The state’s capital obviously has to make the list of the best places to live. U.S. News said that compared to other similarly sized metros, Columbia’s cost of living is not as high. However, the weather in Columbia is known to be extremely hot during the summer, and the city’s job market is not as great as in other areas.
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- Population: 147,198
- Average commute: 16 minutes
- Median home value: $265,813
- Median monthly rent: $1,022
- Median household income: $57,568
#8. Hilton Head
Hilton Head is one of the prettiest places to live in the Palmetto State, but its cost of living and housing affordability lower its ranking quite a bit. The city’s average commute time and its job market help make it more desirable to live in.
- Population: 47,365
- Average commute: 14 minutes
- Median home value: $693,479
- Median monthly rent: $1,421
- Median household income: $103,517
#9. Spartanburg
Spartanburg’s value is extremely high when compared to similarly sized metro areas. However, it doesn’t have as healthy a job market and has high unemployment.
- Population: 40,407
- Average commute: 17 minutes
- Median home value: $223,913
- Median monthly rent: $844
- Median household income: $53,137
#10. North Charleston
North Charleston may not be as expensive as its neighboring city, but the city’s average commute time is slightly longer, and the job market is worse off.
- Population: 118,872
- Average commute: 22 minutes
- Median home value: $318,906
- Median monthly rent: $1,355
- Median household income: $66,363
#11. Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is known for its plentiful beach activities and attractions, and the city’s weather is another one of its selling points.
- Population: 42,741
- Average commute: 16 minutes
- Median home value: $387,106
- Median monthly rent: $1,087
- Median household income: $56,981
Methodology
U.S. News uses several factors to determine the rankings for each city. The cities are evaluated using Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) and U.S. News’ internal resources.
AGS develops its database using sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, as well as state and local sources.
The data was then categorized into the four indexes, which were used to evaluate each city: Value Index (28%), Quality of Life Index (27%), Desirability Index (24%), and Job Market Index (21%).
The percent weighting for each index was based on Americans’ preferences on the most important factors when choosing a place to live.
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