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South Carolina Households Spend Nearly $1,800 a Month on Bills, New Report Finds

Palmetto State ranks 30th nationwide for household costs, with bills consuming nearly one-third of annual income

By
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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The 2026 State-by-State Bill Pay Market Report by doxoINSIGHTS found South Carolina ranks as the nation's 30th most expensive state for household bills. (FILE IMAGE)

SOUTH CAROLINA — The typical South Carolina household spends $1,788 every month on bills, according to a new report from doxoINSIGHTS, underscoring the financial pressure many families continue to face as housing, transportation, insurance and utility costs consume a growing share of household budgets.

The 2026 State-by-State Bill Pay Market Report found South Carolina ranks as the nation’s 30th most expensive state for household bills. While that’s below the national average, the numbers reveal that recurring expenses still account for nearly 31% of annual household income in the Palmetto State.

For the average South Carolina household, that amounts to $21,456 per year spent on routine bills.

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Nationally, Americans spend a median of $2,095 per month on the 13 most common household bills, while households collectively spend an estimated $5.03 trillion annually on recurring expenses, according to doxoINSIGHTS.

Housing Continues to Drive Household Costs

Housing remains the single largest expense for most South Carolina families.

The report found homeowners with mortgages pay a median of $1,271 per month, while renters spend a median of $1,167 monthly.

Those figures come as many South Carolina communities continue to experience population growth and rising housing demand.

💰Money-Saving Tip: Reduce Energy Costs at Home

One of the easiest ways homeowners and renters can offset rising housing expenses is by lowering monthly utility bills.

Simple upgrades such as programmable thermostats, smart power strips, LED lighting and weatherproofing materials can help reduce electricity consumption year-round.

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Transportation Costs Add Up Quickly

Transportation is another major expense category.

South Carolina households with auto loans pay a median of $452 per month, while auto insurance costs average $170 monthly.

Combined, transportation expenses often rival housing costs for many families.

💰Money-Saving Tip: Extend Vehicle Life

Automotive experts say regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of a vehicle.

Routine oil changes, battery monitoring, tire maintenance and emergency roadside kits can save drivers money over the long run.

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Utility Bills Continue to Impact Budgets

According to the report, South Carolina households pay a median of:

  • $140 per month for electricity
  • $56 per month for water and sewer
  • $90 per month for mobile phone service
  • $159 per month for cable and satellite services

While those costs may appear manageable individually, together they account for thousands of dollars annually.

💰Money-Saving Tip: Cut Subscription and Technology Costs

Many households can reduce monthly spending by reviewing streaming services, internet plans and mobile phone expenses.

Consumers are also increasingly turning to streaming devices to replace expensive cable packages.

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South Carolina Costs Remain Below National Average

Despite rising expenses, South Carolina remains less expensive than many parts of the country.

The state’s Cost of Bills Index (COBI) score of 86 indicates household bills are approximately 14% lower than the national median.

By comparison, California households pay a median of $2,892 per month in bills, while West Virginia residents pay just $1,116 monthly.

Still, South Carolina families continue searching for ways to stretch every dollar.

Building an Emergency Fund Matters More Than Ever

Financial advisors often recommend maintaining three to six months of living expenses in savings. However, rising household costs have made that goal more difficult for many Americans.

The report found recurring household expenses consume nearly one-third of annual income for the typical South Carolina household.

💰Money-Saving Tip: Create a Household Budget

Tracking monthly expenses can help identify areas where spending can be reduced.

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  • Budget planners (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
  • Home finance workbooks (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
  • Cash-envelope budgeting systems (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
  • Personal finance books (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)
  • Lock boxes and document organizers (View products from: Walmart l Amazon)

What is doxoINSIGHTS?

doxoINSIGHTS provides an aggregated and anonymized view of America’s bill-pay economy. Its Cost of Bills Index allows comparisons across all 50 states and includes data representing 97% of U.S. ZIP codes.

The organization’s latest report paints a clear picture for South Carolina residents: while household costs remain lower than many parts of the country, families are still spending nearly $1,800 every month on essential bills.

As inflation, housing costs and insurance premiums continue to affect household budgets, finding ways to reduce recurring expenses may become increasingly important for South Carolina families looking to stay ahead financially.

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