Cost of Living

The value of a life fully lived in a gorgeous community with welcoming neighbors and a host of amenities could never be given a dollar figure. But if you knew that dollar figure was significantly lower than what you’re paying right now, what would stand in your way? Take a look below for some of the financial reasons that South Carolina continues to be named by Kiplinger’s as a Tax Haven and is often covered in the “Top Ten Places for Retirees” lists.

SOCIAL SECURITY

South Carolina exempts Social Security benefits from state income taxes, and it allows residents 65 and older to deduct up to $15,000 per person ($30,000 per couple) of qualified retirement income when calculating their state income tax.

MILITARY DEDUCTION

 

Military retirees who take up primary residence in South Carolina are entitled to tax exemptions on their military pensions. Kiplinger lists the Palmetto State as one of a small group of states with this provision for our nation’s veterans. 

 

TOP 10

South Carolina consistently ranks in the top 10 best states for property taxes and transportation costs. Property taxes are very low. Taxes are based on 4% of the market value of a home, and homeowners 65 and older qualify for a homestead exemption that excludes the first $50,000 of their property’s fair market value from property taxes.

COST OF LIVING

The cost of food, housing, transportation and healthcare in Aiken can be up to 60% less than many major metropolitan areas and as much as 40% less than other popular retiree destinations, including the mountains and coasts of North and South Carolina. 

 

Scroll over the images below to take a look at comparisons of Aiken versus other popular pre-retirement and retirement destinations.  If you don’t see the comparison you’re looking for or would like a more detailed report on any of the cities below, request your free cost of living comparison in the form provided here. 

 

Note:  Data on this page is obtained from independent third parties.  Although assumed to be accurate, the data is subject to change.

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AIKEN VS. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

A salary of $100,000 in Aiken, South Carolina should increase to $157,497 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island is 57% more expensive than Aiken.

Housing is 213% more expensive in Hilton Head Island.

AIKEN VS. HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC

A salary of $100,000 in Aiken, South Carolina should increase to $120,307 in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Wilmington is 20% more expensive than Aiken.

Housing is 56% more expensive in Wilmington.

AIKEN VS. SARASOTA, FL

A salary of $100,000 in Aiken, South Carolina should increase to $134,711 in Sarasota, Florida.

Sarasota is 35% more expensive than Aiken.

Housing is 120% more expensive in Sarasota.

AIKEN VS. CHARLESTON, SC

A salary of $100,000 in Aiken, South Carolina should increase to $135,891 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Charleston is 36% more expensive than Aiken.

Housing is 120% more expensive in Charleston.