Cost of Living in Summerville, SC - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $2,242 per month with rent, or $1,036 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $3,440 per month with rent, or $1,573 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $4,638 per month with rent, or $2,111 without housing.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.53 $16.53

$15.03 $15.03

$60.1 $60.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$90.2 $90.2

$60.2 $60.2

$120 $120

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.66 $12.66

$12.42 $12.42

$12.91 $12.91

Cappuccino

$4.66 $4.66

$3.99 $3.99

$5.98 $5.98

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.79 $2.79

$2.03 $2.03

$4.06 $4.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.02 $1.02

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.40 $4.40

$2.20 $2.20

$15.66 $15.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.91 $5.91

$11.82 $11.82

Milk (1 liter)

$1.01 $1.01

$0.64 $0.64

$1.37 $1.37

White Bread (500g)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.50 $1.50

$4.44 $4.44

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.96 $3.96

$2.02 $2.02

$6.57 $6.57

Eggs

$2.51 $2.51

$1.45 $1.45

$6.81 $6.81

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.38 $8.38

$5.59 $5.59

$17.90 $17.90

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.91 $8.91

$5.09 $5.09

$17.77 $17.77

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.11 $15.11

$7.57 $7.57

$19.46 $19.46

Apples (1kg)

$5.02 $5.02

$3.49 $3.49

$7.65 $7.65

Banana (1kg)

$1.27 $1.27

$1.08 $1.08

$2.17 $2.17

Oranges (1kg)

$3.95 $3.95

$2.76 $2.76

$6.42 $6.42

Tomato (1kg)

$3.54 $3.54

$1.94 $1.94

$6.55 $6.55

Potato (1kg)

$2.10 $2.10

$1.97 $1.97

$2.66 $2.66

Onion (1kg)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.90 $1.90

$3.21 $3.21

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.82 $1.82

$1.26 $1.26

$2.93 $2.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.38 $1.38

$0.80 $0.80

$3.04 $3.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.52 $7.52

$7.28 $7.28

$7.77 $7.77

Wine (Bottle)

$12.10 $12.10

$6.90 $6.90

$25.21 $25.21

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.39 $1.39

$4.18 $4.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.98 $2.98

$1.74 $1.74

$3.97 $3.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.48 $3.48

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.51 $1.51

$1.42 $1.42

$1.58 $1.58

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$33.06 $33.06

$27.47 $27.47

$38.66 $38.66

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.75 $0.75

$0.69 $0.69

$0.89 $0.89

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$19.9K $19.9K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$19.0K $19.0K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$150 $150

$108 $108

$395 $395

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$64.5 $64.5

$43.14 $43.14

$278 $278

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$70.3 $70.3

$58.9 $58.9

$117 $117

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.35 $44.35

$17.25 $17.25

$49.27 $49.27

Cinema Ticket

$9.89 $9.89

$9.40 $9.40

$19.78 $19.78

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,514 $1,514

$1,211 $1,211

$1,817 $1,817

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

$16.7K $16.7K

$27.1K $27.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.2 $50.2

$15.06 $15.06

$60.2 $60.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$24.66 $24.66

$19.73 $19.73

$29.60 $29.60

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$110 $110

$50.1 $50.1

$129 $129

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$101 $101

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,983 $1,983

$1,388 $1,388

$2,974 $2,974

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,150 $1,150

$1,084 $1,084

$1,281 $1,281

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,249 $3,249

$2,211 $2,211

$5,024 $5,024

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,996 $1,996

$1,930 $1,930

$2,079 $2,079

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,016 $5,016

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.3

4.5

6.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: April 20, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $1,983, dropping to $1,150 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 40% of the average salary ($5,016) – noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

The average net salary is $5,016 – comfortably above monthly costs of $2,242. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $3,362.

Groceries cost around $320 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $90.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $0.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 95% of cities in North America

Fast food meal is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Summerville, SC Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Summerville, SC - Frequently Asked Questions

Summerville offers a practical balance of value and access. Choose residential areas that suit your pace – historic streets, leafy suburbs, or newer planned communities – each with different housing vibes and budgets. Local services, parks, schools, and proximity to Charleston enhance daily life without the big-city price tag in many pockets. The climate and community amenities contribute to an appealing lifestyle for longer stays and flexible work setups. Cost of Living in Summerville, SC tends to be approachable for many who value outdoor life, community feel, and practical day-to-day expenses. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, commute times, and daily routines before committing long-term.

Daily life in Summerville blends easy access with small-town charm. Housing search rewards flexibility: you’ll find older homes with character and newer builds in planned communities, often near parks and schools. Food options include local markets, casual eateries, and grocery chains, with seasonal produce common in the region. Transport works well with a car for longer trips and biking or walking within town. Co-working spaces are available in nearby Charleston and some local options, good for digital nomads seeking a desk for a few days. The Summerville, SC living cost shapes your choices about neighborhoods and commute, so prioritize places near major streets and services. Tip: Schedule a short-term visit to test daily errands and transit times.

Balancing cost and quality in Summerville means choosing a neighborhood that matches your routines and climate preferences. Start with a simple budgeting framework: set needs, wants, and a contingency, then test with a week-long stay to observe utilities, groceries, and transport patterns across seasons. Seasonality affects outdoor activities and energy use – the long, hot summers, mild springs, and pleasant autumns shape how you live and spend. For neighborhoods, Old Town offers walkability and character, while Cane Bay and nearby floor plans provide newer amenities and families. Consider proximity to coworking venues, grocery stores, and healthcare. Tip: lightweight, flexible plans help you adapt – pilot a lease with an easy renewal option and reevaluate after a season.

Summerville, SC is expensive by global standards – monthly costs hit about $2,242. Housing is the main driver: central rents are steep, and even outer neighborhoods cost more than the global average. Strong demand, high local incomes, and limited supply all push prices up.

There's no getting around it – Summerville, SC is expensive. Monthly costs with rent typically hit $2,242, and housing is the biggest culprit. Groceries, dining, and services also run above global averages, pushed up by strong local demand and high incomes.

After taxes, the average worker in Summerville, SC takes home about $5,016 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.

Rent hits hard in Summerville, SC – 1-bedroom apartments range from $1,150 to $1,983 per month, and housing is the biggest single expense for most residents. Competition for well-connected central apartments is fierce.

Gym memberships in Summerville, SC cost about $44.35 per month – above the regional average. Premium chains and boutique studios charge even more. Parks, running routes, and outdoor fitness areas offer free alternatives if you'd rather skip the fee.

Private kindergarten in Summerville, SC costs about $1,514 per month – a big number for families. Prices vary by curriculum and whether you go local or international. Public options are cheaper where they exist, but waitlists can be long.

$1,500 in Summerville, SC is a stretch – monthly costs with rent hit $2,242, and housing alone takes a big chunk. Even with a shared flat and minimal going out, there's very little buffer for surprises or savings.

Summerville, SC has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. fast internet, low crime rates, clean air smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $2,242 including housing.