Single adults in South Carolina need $80K to live comfortably in 2026

A recent study by SmartAsset, using data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, found that a single adult in South Carolina needs an annual income of at least $80,000 to live comfortably in 2026. This estimate accounts for housing, groceries, transportation, and other essential costs that impact household budgets, according to Live 5 WCSC.

The analysis applied the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, where 50% of income covers necessities such as housing and utilities, 30% goes to discretionary spending, and 20% is saved for retirement and emergencies. The living wage data was last updated in February 2026 to reflect current cost-of-living conditions.

The income needed to live comfortably increases for families of four, reflecting the higher expenses for housing, food, and other essentials for larger households.

This data highlights the financial requirements to maintain a comfortable lifestyle amid rising costs in South Carolina in 2026.