A Homebuyers’ Guide to the Cost of Living in Greenville, SC

If you’re curious about the cost of living in Greenville, SC, perhaps because you’re relocating or considering a new home here, this guide offers a general breakdown of living expenses in this charming Southern city. The Greenville cost of living includes everyday expenses like housing, transportation, utilities, and tax rates, and you’ll also learn about average grocery prices and the admission cost of some of the city’s major attractions and recreational activities. This way, you can gain a greater understanding of what to factor into your homebuying budget. 

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Greenville, SC

• Housing Costs in Greenville, SC

• Other Living Expenses in Greenville, SC

  • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Greenville

  • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Greenville

  • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Greenville

  • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Greenville

  • Tax Rates in the Greenville Area

  • Recreation Costs in Greenville, South Carolina

• Average Salary in Greenville, SC

• Greenville, SC, Cost of Living Comparison

• Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Greenville by Neighborhood

• Cost of Living in Greenville, SC, Conclusion

Cost of Living in Greenville, SC

According to 2024 data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, South Carolina offers a lower cost of living than other states in America, with a cost of living index that hovers around 95. The average cost of living in Greenville, SC, closely mirrors the state’s average. More specifically, the Greenville City Economic Development Corporation website states that the overall cost of living in Greenville is around 9% less than the national average as of April 2025.

Housing Costs in Greenville, SC

Housing costs in Greenville can be very affordable. According to April 2025 data from Payscale®, homes in Greenville average 27% less than the national average. Market trend data from Zillow® finds that the median sale price for homes in Greenville is $312,833 as of February 28, 2025.

For apartment living, RentCafe® reports that the average rent in Greenville, SC, is $1,570 as of March 2025, though that can vary depending on the size and location of the rental.

Other Living Expenses in Greenville, SC

In addition to the costs associated with owning a home or renting an apartment, the Greenville, SC, living cost includes regular, recurring expenses like groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. 

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Greenville

The cost of food can quickly add up, especially if you’re shopping for a larger household, which means it’s an important component of the cost of living in Greenville, South Carolina. As of April 2025, the cost of groceries in Greenville is 2% less than the national average, according to Payscale, which also shares these average prices of certain pantry staples:

• Loaf of bread: $3.89

• Gallon of milk: $4.59

• Carton of eggs: $3.40

Additionally, Greenville has a diverse food scene with restaurants that can suit everyone’s taste buds and budget. As of April 2025, Numbeo™ finds that the cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around $20, while a three-course meal for two at a nicer establishment could cost about $100.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Greenville

Unlike many cities in the south, Greenville is very accessible, pedestrian-friendly, and a great place to bike. However, outside the downtown area, you typically need a car to get around, and the price of fuel can significantly contribute to the Greenville cost of living. As of April 2025, the cost of a gallon of gas runs around $2.74, according to AAA®.

For public modes of transportation, Greenville has a bus system called Greenlink. As of April 2025, the cost of a day pass is $5, and the cost of a single ride is $1.50.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Greenville

Healthcare costs can be about 5% higher in Greenville than the national average, according to Payscale as of April 2025, which also shares the approximate cost of these medical consultations:

• Doctor appointment: $147.34

• Dental visit: $121.16

• Optometrist: $134.95

• Veterinary visit: $71.05

Note that these numbers are averages and may not reflect the actual cost of an appointment with your insurance or the cost of annual appointments versus specialty visits. Insurance premiums in Greenville can depend on your plan, age, and other factors, but ValuePenguin® finds that the average cost of health insurance in Greenville, for a plan purchased through Healthcare.gov, costs about $538 per month as of April 2025.

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Greenville

The cost of energy bills in Greenville is about 2% higher than the national average, according to EnergySage®, as of April 2025, with residents of Greenville paying roughly $210 per month on these utility bills. 

Water and sewer bills in Greenville County depend on your home’s address, as the county versus city proper have varying rates for water, sewer, and waste management, per Greenville Water in April 2025.

RentCafe’s March 2025 data finds the average phone bill is $190.54. Internet costs vary based on the service plan and provider, but the fees range from $50 per month to $250 per CNET®, while Numbeo’s data suggests the monthly average is around $62.67 as of April 2025.

Tax Rates in the Greenville Area

South Carolina’s state sales tax is 6%, and Greenville County does not impose an additional sales tax, unlike many counties in the state, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s website in April 2025). April 2025 data from SmartAsset® finds that the average property tax in South Carolina is 0.53%. In Greenville, specifically, the property tax is 0.88%, according to Ownwell, also as of April 2025.

Recreation Costs in Greenville, South Carolina

There’s no shortage of fun to fit any budget in Greenville. Here are just a few top attractions that Greenville and the surrounding area offer, along with their cost as of April 2025: 

• The Children’s Museum of the Upstate: Admission is $15 per person for South Carolina residents.

• The Greenville Zoo: The cost of a day with wildlife at the zoo is $13 for adults, and discounted tickets are available for children based on their age. The zoo also offers discounts for service member households, as well as seniors.

• Greenville parks: The City of Greenville’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department oversees 37 parks, the majority of which are free to visit.

• The Conestee Nature Preserve: You can enjoy the preserve for free, though donations are always welcome.

Average Salary in Greenville, SC

The average salary in Greenville, as of April 2025, averages $53,695 or about $26 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter®. A few of Greenville's major employers include Prisma Health®, Greenville County Schools, Michelin® North America, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, and Duke Energy®.

Greenville, SC, Cost of Living Comparison

Another helpful perspective is to compare the cost of living in Greenville, South Carolina, to other cities. Here’s how Greenville living expenses stack up against a few other major metropolitan areas:  

• Greenville, SC vs. Atlanta, GA: The cost of living in Atlanta is approximately 10% higher overall than in Greenville, according to NerdWallet® in April 2025. Atlanta’s housing costs are 40% greater, healthcare is 10% higher, and transportation is 14% more expensive.

• Greenville, SC vs. Dallas, TX: As of April 2025, NerdWallet finds the cost of living in Dallas is around 15% higher than in Greenville. Living expenses are generally more expensive in Dallas than in Greenville, including housing (40% higher), food (1% higher), entertainment (8% higher), and healthcare (12% higher). However, Dallas does win in transportation costs, as they’re 2% lower than in Greenville.

• Greenville, SC vs. Asheville, NC: The average cost of living in Asheville is roughly 12% higher than in Greenville, according to NerdWallet, as of April 2025, with housing 40% higher and healthcare 12% higher than those same costs in Greenville. 

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Greenville by Neighborhood

Greenville has a diverse mix of neighborhoods and suburbs, each with its own distinct personality and atmosphere. These neighborhoods are some of the best places to live in Greenville, South Carolina, and also offer a wide range of new construction homes. 

Woodruff Road Area

Greenville features 12 neighborhoods, and the Woodruff Road Area is one of them. This section of the city is known as the hub of big-box retail stores, chain restaurants, hotels, spas, arcades, and movie theatres. 

The cost to build a new home in the Woodruff Road Area is in the lower $300Ks, according to NewHomeSource™ in April 2025. Pulte new construction homes in Greenville, SC, also start in the low $300Ks.

Mauldin

South of Downtown Greenville is the suburb of Mauldin. Residents are conveniently close to Lake Conestee, the Conestee Nature Preserve, and the Mauldin Cultural Center. Commuters appreciate the easy access to Greenville’s biggest freeways, including I-85, I-385, and Highway 276.

Building a new home in Mauldin starts in the mid $200Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of April 2025. Pulte offers new construction homes in Greenville that are just over five miles from Mauldin.

Easley

To the west of Greenville is the suburb of Easley. It’s a wonderful area for commuters, due to the proximity of two major highways, and households who appreciate the quality school system in Pickens County. Fans of Clemson University sports teams can easily cheer on the Tigers, as Easley is only 20 miles from the university campus.

As of April 2025, the cost to build a new home in Easley can start in the upper $200Ks, per NewHomeSource. Our new construction homes in Easley, SC, start in the lower $300Ks.

Boiling Springs

To the north of Greenville, you’ll find Boiling Springs. This suburb is home to the University of South Carolina-Upstate, Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park, Boiling Springs Golf Center, and much more. Boiling Springs is also only eight miles from Spartanburg.

Building a new home in Boiling Springs starts in the lower $200Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of April 2025. Explore our new construction homes in Boiling Springs, SC.

Spartanburg

Northeast of Greenville is the city’s most well-known suburb, Spartanburg. The area has plenty of things to do outside, including Croft State Park, Hatcher Garden, Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve, and the local favorite, the Mary Black Rail Trail. Spartanburg has a quaint and lively downtown area filled with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Downtown Spartanburg also hosts numerous events throughout the year, a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors. 

Building a new home in Spartanburg can start in the upper $200Ks, according to NewHomeSource in April 2025. Pulte new construction homes in Spartanburg, SC, start in the mid $200Ks.

Cost of Living in Greenville, SC, Conclusion

With affordable housing costs, a city that’s accessible on foot, by bike, and by car, plus the added perk of no additional county sales tax, Greenville offers not just a place to live but a place to thrive. The city features numerous outdoor activities, and the area’s diverse mix of neighborhoods means there’s likely one that can suit your needs and lifestyle. Plus, the reasonable Greenville, SC, cost of living index helps make the city an appealing spot for homebuyers seeking a great place to call home for their next chapter. 

Explore new construction homes in Greenville, SC, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist