Best Cities for Renters to Live in South Carolina

When it comes to ideal places for renters to settle, South Carolina is no slouch. If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches, delicious cuisine and beautiful, historical architecture then look no further than the Palmetto State. This place has about everything a prospective renter would find enticing without needing to break the bank, as well as plenty of cities to choose from when it comes to picking your next home.

South Carolina is more than just a charming Southern state — it’s also a great place to live, work and play. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage in the countryside or a modern rental apartment in the city, you’ll find affordable and attractive housing options in South Carolina. In fact, the state’s cities have been ranked among the top 20 in the nation for cost of living and housing, and they also boast strong local economies.

So, if you want to experience some of that famed Southern hospitality, here are some of the best cities for renters in South Carolina.

Charleston gets crowned as the best city for renters in South Carolina

Crowned the best place for renters to live in the U.S. in 2023, Charleston charms with its mix of below average cost of living and high-quality apartments. If you’re looking for a place where you get all the advantages of living in a big city, without needing to compromise on quality of life then you might find that this charming port city is all that and more.

The average size of apartments here is 967 square feet, which is higher than the national average, meaning that you’ll have enough space to really make yourself at home. Plus, with more than 250 tech companies in the area, Charleston is perfect for young professionals looking to make it big in a sunny setting.

Culture hub Greenville is one of the most popular cities with renters

If you’re yearning for some of that famed small town charm, you should definitely start looking for apartments in Greenville. In fact, GVL was ranked as “South’s Most ‘Tasteful’ Small Town” by Forbes and among the best places to live in the country by the U.S. News & World Report in 2019. GVL comes ahead of other Southern cities thanks to its low cost of living, spacious apartments and a thriving economy. You can find many large companies such as Michelin, Prisma Health and Bon Secours.

Greenville also has a lot of culture and flavor. Many entertainment venues in this underrated Southern gem regularly host major concerts and events. Plus, you can admire the works of Andrew Wyeth, a famous watercolor painter, at the Greenville County Museum of Art.

Renters find a great place to live in South Carolina’s capital, Columbia

South Carolina’s capital city also deserves a shoutout. The whimsically nicknamed “Soda City” has some of the largest apartments in the country at around 1,000 square feet, which is especially great for renters looking for some extra space.

Outdoors lovers will be glad to know that the city offers plenty of recreational activities such as biking in the Riverfront Park (where you can marvel at the Columbia Canal), hike through Congaree National Park or even take a dip in the river at Saluda Riverwalk. Alternatively, if you’re not that much a fan of nature, Columbia still has you covered: The Hampton-Preston mansion, the Congaree Vista and South Carolina State Museum have plenty of exhibitions, galleries and venues for you to roam.

Outdoors charm makes Spartanburg popular with renters ready to settle

Living up to its motto of “Always Doing”, the Hub City never seems to take a break. Apartments in Spartanburg are among some of the biggest in the country. At the same time, the cost of living in Spartanburg remains under the national average, making it one of the cities where sticking to a budget is much easier.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Spartanburg’s downtown is one of the city’s highlights. This means, renters here have access to shopping, public art exhibitions and a fantastic dining experience. If you’re looking for a great weekend outing, you can visit the Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve, or roam about the city’s Historic District. And if you want to relax and cuddle with some furry friends, check out the OnAgain OffAgain Farm where you can spend time with the city’s cutest residents: the alpacas!