Skyline of Mount Pleasant
Cost of Living: 115 90,000

Mount Pleasant, SC, US

Charleston suburb with Shem Creek, the Ravenel Bridge, and top-rated schools.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Mount Pleasant is a city in SC with a population of 90,000. Charleston suburb with Shem Creek, the Ravenel Bridge, and top-rated schools. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 115

Above Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 130

Above Average

Median Income $80,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.8%

Job market health

Mount Pleasant vs US Average

Cost of Living
Mount Pleasant: 115
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Mount Pleasant: 130
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Mount Pleasant: 3%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 3.0%
  • Sales Tax: 7.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $80,000
  • Unemployment: 2.8%
  • Population: 90,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 215/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 38°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: $550,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1700/mo

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Cost of Living

Mount Pleasant's cost of living index is 115 (US average = 100).

CategoryMount PleasantNational AverageDifference
Overall115100+15.0%
Housing130100+30.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$550,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1700/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,125/mo
Price per Sq Ft$366

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mount Pleasant:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$98Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$46Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$5Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$289Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Mount Pleasant scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
115
Rent
$1700
Sunny Days
215
Tax
3%
Unemployment
2.8%
Climate
88°F / 38°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
90,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Mount Pleasant has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January58°F38°F2.5"
April73°F53°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F56°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Mount Pleasant faces the following natural hazards:

Hurricane High Risk

Coastal city affected by hurricanes.

Flood High Risk

Coastal flooding.

Heat Wave High Risk

Summer heat waves.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Charleston area with historical earthquake risk.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Wildfire risk in forested areas.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 3%
  • Sales Tax: 7%
  • Property Tax: ~0.57% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year August to May/June
Term System Semester — Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-May/June)
Summer Break Late May to August (10 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March or April (1 week)

State mandates 180 school days.

Demographics

The population of Mount Pleasant is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
1.6%
Black or African American
2.9%
Hispanic or Latino
2.9%
Native American
0.0%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.0%
Other
0.2%
Two or more races
2.1%
White
90.3%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
66.2%
High school graduate
8.7%
Less than high school
2.3%
Some college
22.8%

Religion

Christian
78.0%
Other
6.0%
Unaffiliated
16.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mount Pleasant, SC, US?

The cost of living index in Mount Pleasant is 115, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Mount Pleasant?

The median home price in Mount Pleasant is $550,000. The housing index is 130.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mount Pleasant is approximately $1700/mo.

Does Mount Pleasant, SC have income tax?

Mount Pleasant is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 3%.

What is the climate like in Mount Pleasant?

Mount Pleasant enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.