Estimate your monthly mortgage payment in South Carolina. Enter your home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term to see principal & interest, property tax, insurance, and total PITI payment.
South Carolina has a relatively low effective property tax rate of about 0.57%. The state caps increases in assessed value at 15% over a 5-year reassessment cycle for owner-occupied homes. South Carolina charges a deed recording fee. The state is popular with retirees partly due to its low tax burden.
| Cost Item | South Carolina Estimate |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price (2026) | $320,000 |
| 20% Down Payment | $64,000 |
| Loan Amount (80% LTV) | $256,000 |
| Avg. Property Tax Rate | 0.57% per year |
| Est. Monthly Property Tax | ~$151/month |
| Typical Homeowner Insurance | $1,000–$2,000/year |
Your monthly payment has several components. The principal and interest (P&I) payment is fixed for the life of a fixed-rate mortgage and is determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and term. Property taxes and insurance are typically escrowed — collected monthly by your lender and paid on your behalf.
If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll also pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which typically costs 0.5%–1.5% of the loan amount per year. PMI can often be removed once you reach 20% equity.
| Loan Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | Lowest monthly payment; most popular; predictable payment for 30 years |
| 15-Year Fixed | Higher payment; pays off faster; significantly less total interest |
| FHA Loan | 3.5% down minimum; credit score 580+; requires mortgage insurance premium (MIP) |
| VA Loan | 0% down for eligible veterans; no PMI; competitive rates |
| USDA Loan | 0% down for rural eligible areas; income limits apply |
| Conventional | 20% down avoids PMI; competitive rates; flexible terms |
| Jumbo Loan | Loan amounts above conforming limit ($806,500 in 2026); stricter requirements |
| ARM (Adjustable) | Lower initial rate; rate adjusts after fixed period (e.g., 5/1, 7/1 ARM) |
The median home value in South Carolina is approximately $320,000 as of 2026. Prices vary widely by city, neighborhood, and market conditions. Use the calculator above to estimate your payment at any price point.
South Carolina has a relatively low effective property tax rate of about 0.57%. The state caps increases in assessed value at 15% over a 5-year reassessment cycle for owner-occupied homes. South Carolina charges a deed recording fee. The state is popular with retirees partly due to its low tax burden.
A common guideline is that your monthly housing payment (PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $320,000 home with 20% down at 6.75% for 30 years, the P&I payment is approximately $1,660/month. Adding taxes and insurance, you'd want a gross monthly income of at least $5,928 to stay within the 28% guideline.
Most conventional lenders in South Carolina require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans allow 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down). VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but most lenders prefer 620+. A higher score (740+) qualifies you for the best rates, potentially saving tens of thousands over the loan's life.
Closing costs in South Carolina typically range from 2%–5% of the purchase price. These include lender fees (origination, underwriting), title insurance, appraisal, recording fees, prepaid items (first year of insurance, property tax escrow), and state-specific transfer taxes. On a $320,000 home, expect $9,600–$16,000 in closing costs.