Breaking Down the Cost of Living in Bluffton, SC

breaking down the cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by inboundREM
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

The cost of living in a particular location refers to the amount of money necessary to cover an individual’s basic expenses in that particular area within a specific time period. This includes housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses.

Knowing the cost of living in Bluffton, SC, allows you to compare the affordability of living in this town compared to your current place of residence. This will help you determine if your plans of moving here would be beneficial for you and your family, given your projected income.

a person counting money cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by Tima Miroshnichenko | Pexels

Overall Cost of Living in Bluffton, SC

The average Bluffton cost of living is $2,595. This places Bluffton in the top 7% of the most expensive cities in the world. In the United States, it ranks 543rd out of 2,202 cities and 3rd out of 26 in South Carolina.

Cost of LivingBlufftonSouth CarolinaUnited States
Overall104.389.3100
Grocery102.795.8100
Health104.7102.7100
Housing112.676.6100
Utilities101.1103.9100
Transportation79.286.8100
Miscellaneous94.676.3100

Based on the table above showing the cost-of-living indexes for Bluffton, everyday expenses, such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities align closely with national averages.

A cost-of-living index is based on a national average of 100. So, for example, if the COL index of housing in Bluffton is 112.6, then it is 12.6% higher than the average in the whole of the United States.

a row of lakeside houses cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by Calvin Wright | Pexels

Housing Costs

The most expensive expense in Bluffton, SC, is housing. While many neighborhoods in South Carolina have lower housing costs, this town’s home prices are slightly higher compared to the national average.

As of November 2024, Bluffton home prices were selling for a median price of $525,000. The average rent, on the other hand, is $1,800 per month as of January 2025.

The table below shows the average monthly rent for apartments based on their size:

Floor Plan TypeAverage RentAverage Square Feet
Studio$1,173/month420 Sq Ft
One Bedroom$1,800/month809 Sq Ft
Two Bedroom$2,018/month1,141 Sq Ft
Three Bedroom$2,343/month1,366 Sq Ft

Utilities and Energy Expenses

Utility costs in Bluffton, including electricity, water, heating, and internet, are comparable to the national average. However, it’s important to note that utility bills might fluctuate seasonally due to weather patterns, especially during hot and humid summers or very cold winters.

Utilities in Bluffton, South CarolinaAverage Cost
Monthly Energy Bill$214.48
Monthly Phone Bill$207.47

Transportation Costs

Bluffton provides several bus routes that allow easy access to various areas within the city, including stops at schools, shopping centers, hospitals, and other community destinations.

A bike-share program is also available for those who prefer to get around this quaint town without relying on a car or bus. In addition, Ride Solutions offers door-to-door rides for people with disabilities and seniors who require specialized assistance.

The average one-way commute in Bluffton, SC, takes around 26.2 minutes, slightly shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes.

Utilities in Bluffton, South CarolinaAverage Cost
Monthly Energy Bill$214.48
Monthly Phone Bill$207.47

Transportation Costs

Bluffton provides several bus routes that allow easy access to various areas within the city, including stops at schools, shopping centers, hospitals, and other community destinations.

A bike-share program is also available for those who prefer to get around this quaint town without relying on a car or bus. In addition, Ride Solutions offers door-to-door rides for people with disabilities and seniors who require specialized assistance.

The average one-way commute in Bluffton, SC, takes around 26.2 minutes, slightly shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes.

Transportation in BlufftonAverage Cost
Local Transport Ticket$2.09
Monthly Ticket Local Transport$53.8
Taxi Ride (8 km / 5 miles)$13.1
Gas / Petroleum (1 liter / 0.26 gallon)$0.88
people eating and drinking in a restaurant cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels

Grocery and Food Expenses

The average cost of food expenses in Bluffton, SC, for one person is $646 per month. For a family of four, food expenses total approximately $1,680.

Below, you’ll see the average costs of common dining options and grocery items:

Food Items / MealsAverage Cost
Lunch at an Inexpensive Restaurant$20.10
Dinner for 2 in a Restaurant$70.60
Fast-Food Meal$10.80
Beer in a Pub$5.04
Cappuccino$4.96
Coke/Pepsi (0.5 L or 16.9 fl oz)$2.58
Grocery ItemsAverage Cost
Milk (1 liter)$0.91
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)$2.89
Eggs (regular, 12)$2.76
Rice (white, 1kg)$3.20
Local Cheese (1kg)$15.80
Round Steak (1kg)$16.60
Apples (1kg)$5.51
Banana (1kg)$1.54
Oranges (1kg)$4.57
Tomatoes (1kg)$5.00
Potatoes (1kg)$3.99
Onions (1kg)$2.82
doctors performing a procedure on a patient cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by Anna Shvets | Pexels

Healthcare Costs

One important basic expense is affordable healthcare. Bluffton residents have access to excellent healthcare facilities, with several hospitals and medical centers in the area.

Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hilton Head Regional Medical Center are just a short drive, offering a wide range of services. Several primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers can also be found throughout the town and surrounding areas.

Visit to a Medical ProfessionalAverage Cost
General Practitioner$145.52
Dentist$119.66
Optometrist$133.28
Prescription Drug$252.64
Veterinarian$64.08
two women reading a book to children in a classroom cost of living in bluffton sc
Credit: Image by Yan Krukau | Pexels

Education and Childcare Expenses

Bluffton, SC, is served by the Beaufort County School District, which offers a variety of educational opportunities for students, including traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet programs.

Beaufort County School District is esteemed for its commitment to academic excellence and several schools under its umbrella that consistently receive high ratings.

For those seeking higher education, Bluffton is conveniently located near reputable colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Technical College of the Lowcountry, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Armstrong State University.

breaking down the cost of living in bluffton sc
Note: This image may include elements generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Conclusion

The cost of living in Bluffton, SC, may be slightly higher compared to the national average but it is quite reasonable given the area’s amenities and lifestyle.

While the cost of living in this quaint town would be a consideration for those who are contemplating moving to this location, other factors like its Southern charm, natural beauty, and community spirit make it an attractive place to call home for many.

If you’d like to know your home options in Bluffton, SC, please give me a call at 843-310-6339 or send me an email at info@sequelsc.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bluffton an affordable place to live?

Yes, with an overall cost of living index of 104.3, Bluffton is at par with the national average.

The average energy bill in Bluffton is $214.48.

The Lowcountry of South Carolina, home to both Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, along with Hilton Head Island, is regarded as one of the best places to retire in South Carolina.