Infomarine On-Line Maritime News - Forget Florida, Americans are now flocking to South Carolina for a better life

The age factor

South Carolina's appeal particularly attracts one demographic: retirees. According to a 2021 Population Reference Bureau report, 18.7% of South Carolina's population is aged 65 and over (7).

For this group, the state offers generous tax benefits on retirement income and lower healthcare costs in many areas. Healthcare expenses can average around $538 per month for individual health insurance, with prescription drug costs generally lower due to pharmacy competition (8, 9).

However, younger workers shouldn't discount South Carolina, as cities like Charleston, Greenville and Columbia offer vibrant amenities without big-city price tags. But perhaps more importantly, there are job opportunities.

According to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, WRHI.com reports, the state has experienced steady job growth across multiple sectors, "from manufacturing to healthcare, technology to utilities" (10).

Healthcare alone added 13,900 jobs from March 2024 to March 2025, The Post and Courier reports, while professional, scientific and technical services grew by 10,500 jobs (11).

Read more: Are you richer than you think? Here are 5 clear signs you’re punching way above the average American’s wealth

Testing the waters before you move

Before loading up the moving truck, it's smart to run some numbers to ensure the move to South Carolina makes financial sense:

Compare total housing costs. Look beyond purchase price or rent. Factor in property taxes, homeowners' insurance, HOA fees and utility costs. South Carolina's property taxes are moderate, but insurance costs vary significantly by location, especially in coastal areas prone to hurricanes.

Calculate healthcare accessibility and costs. Research the availability of quality healthcare providers in your target area, particularly specialists if you have ongoing medical needs. Healthcare costs and access can vary by location.

Assess your complete budget. Use cost-of-living calculators to compare your current city to specific South Carolina locations. And remember to account for transportation costs: since South Carolina is largely car-dependent, that includes vehicle expenses, insurance and gas.

Consider geographic variation. Not all South Carolina locations offer equal value. For example, coastal area Hilton Head Island can be significantly more expensive, with costs 4% higher than the national average, while Anderson offers costs 16% lower than the rest of the country, RentCafe.com reports (12).

Visit before committing. Spend time in your target community during different seasons. South Carolina's hot, humid summers can be challenging for some, and contribute to higher utility bills during peak months.

Long-term housing outlook

The state's housing market shows signs of remaining affordable for the foreseeable future. According to Houzeo, housing inventory grew by 6.7% year-over-year in January 2025, with the market maintaining a balanced five-month supply (13).

With homes spending an average of 85 days on the market and 26.3% experiencing price reductions, buyers have negotiating power. The combination of available inventory and reasonable appreciation rates (1.7% year-over-year) means newcomers, whatever their age, can feel confident that housing costs won't suddenly spike.

Before making the leap, do your homework: run the numbers, visit potential neighborhoods and factor in your stage of life. You might find that the state’s “better quality of life” comes with a healthier balance sheet, too.