The Unexpected Value Of $100 If You Live In South Carolina

Back in the day, $100 used to be a lot of money to have in your wallet. In modern times, $100 does not go nearly as far as it used to, with inflation on the rise and turbulent global markets driving the price of everything higher. In some places, though, $100 still goes a long way, such as South Carolina.

As GoBankingRates highlighted, South Carolina has median household income of roughly $63,623 and the annual cost of living adds up to $35,897, leaving a lot of discretionary funds in the accounts of residents to spend how they please. Many of those living in South Carolina also have the ability to buy a home, which has an average value of $298,029, according to Zillow, making payments more than affordable.

With all those economic factors taken into account, what does $100 actually amount to in South Carolina and how much is a Benjamin Franklin really worth in the state?

While South Carolina is not a state with the best economy – that distinction does go to its sister just above it, North Carolina — The Palmetto State remains relatively affordable. The state's gross domestic product (GDP) was $273.3 billion in 2024 according to USA Facts, which is up from 2023's GDP of $225.7 billion along with the growth rate standing at roughly 4.2%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of March 2025, South Carolina's unemployment rate was 4.1%, while the state's GDP per person jumped to $49,887 in 2024, up 2.5% from 2023. Even those residents making minimum wage still get paid $7.25 an hour, which, while lower than some other states, is on par with the Federal hourly minimum wage set in 2024. Industries like construction, manufacturing, farming, and finance all contribute to the overall economic health of the state, as well as the pockets of those who live and work in South Carolina.

Taking into account expenses, wages, and other financial factors, the real value of $100 in South Carolina actually comes out to closer to $106.40, per GoBankingRates' calculations. That's because when you crunch the number of the median household income with annual cost of living expenditure and typical home values in the state, South Carolina is less expensive than other places around the country, meaning your money goes further.

Maybe that's the reason South Carolina has one of the best towns for retirees to move to after leaving the workforce and living on a fixed income. The state has also seen a boom in the tourism industry over the last few years, with visitors finding that their bucks stretch further in top-rated vacation hotspots such as Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach noted US News. Plus, it is family friendly, with a variety of outdoor activities and low-cost attractions. All of these only help boost the value of $100 in South Carolina beyond its original worth.