South Carolina, SC

South Carolina Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your complete monthly payment in South Carolina including taxes, insurance & PMI

🏠 Avg Home Price: $255,000
🏛️ Property Tax: 0.57%
🛡️ Insurance: $1400/yr
📍 Largest City: Columbia
South Carolina Mortgage Calculator
Home Price
$50K$2M
Down Payment
3%60%
Interest Rate
1%15%
Loan Term
Property Tax (Annual)
South Carolina avg: 0.57% — $1454/yr
Home Insurance (Annual)
South Carolina avg: $1400/year
HOA Fees (Monthly)
PMI Rate
Required if down payment < 20%

Amortization Schedule

Show / Hide
YearPrincipal PaidInterest PaidRemaining Balance
Your Monthly Payment
$0
Principal · Interest · Taxes · Insurance
Principal & Interest—
Property Tax—
Home Insurance—
PMI—
HOA—
Loan Amount—
Total Interest—
Total Cost—
—
P&I share
South Carolina Housing Market
  • 🏠
    Avg Home Price
    $255,000
  • 📈
    Property Tax
    0.57% annually
  • 🛡️
    Home Insurance
    $1400/year
  • 📍
    Major City
    Columbia
  • 🗺️
    State Code
    SC
South Carolina Mortgage Tips
  • ✅
    Get pre-approved before house hunting in South Carolina
  • ✅
    Compare at least 3–5 lenders for best rate
  • ✅
    Check South Carolina first-time buyer programs
  • ✅
    Budget 0.57% property tax into monthly costs
  • ✅
    Consider mortgage recast to lower payments
Current Rates 2026
  • 📊
    30-Year Fixed
    ~6.5% – 7.0%
  • 📊
    15-Year Fixed
    ~5.7% – 6.2%
  • 📊
    FHA Loan
    ~6.2% – 6.8%
  • 📊
    VA Loan
    ~5.9% – 6.4%
  • 📊
    Jumbo Loan
    ~6.8% – 7.4%

South Carolina Mortgage Calculator – Complete 2026 Guide

Buying a home in South Carolina is one of the most significant financial commitments you'll make. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Columbia or refinancing an existing property, accurately estimating your monthly mortgage payment is essential for smart financial planning. Our South Carolina Mortgage Calculator gives you a complete picture of your monthly costs — including principal, interest, property taxes at South Carolina's 0.57% average rate, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and PMI if applicable.

📌 Quick Estimate: On a $255,000 home in South Carolina with 20% down ($51,000) and a 6.8% interest rate on a 30-year loan, your estimated monthly payment is approximately $1568/month (PITI — Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance).

How to Use the South Carolina Mortgage Calculator

Simply enter your details into the calculator above. Here's what each field means for South Carolina homebuyers:

  • Home Price: The purchase price. Average home price in South Carolina is $255,000.
  • Down Payment: 20% = $51,000 — avoids PMI on your South Carolina mortgage.
  • Interest Rate: 2026 average in South Carolina is ~6.5%–7.0% for a 30-year fixed loan.
  • Loan Term: 30 years is most common for lower payments; 15 years saves interest.
  • Property Tax: South Carolina averages 0.57% = $1454/year on a $255,000 home.
  • Home Insurance: South Carolina average is $1400/year ($117/month).

South Carolina Property Taxes Explained

Property taxes in South Carolina are calculated as a percentage of your home's assessed value. South Carolina's average effective rate of 0.57% means on a $255,000 home, you pay approximately $1454 per year or $121 per month in property taxes. Rates vary by county — always verify with your South Carolina county assessor's office.

Monthly Cost Breakdown for South Carolina

Payment ComponentMonthlyAnnual
Principal & Interest (6.8%, 30yr)$1330$15,960
Property Tax (0.57%)$121$1454
Home Insurance$117$1400
Total PITI Payment$1568$18,816

Income Needed to Buy a Home in South Carolina

Lenders typically use the 28% front-end DTI rule — your total housing payment (PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.

  • Estimated monthly payment for average South Carolina home: $1568
  • Required annual gross income (28% rule): $57,000
  • Assumes 20% down payment of $51,000 and 6.8% rate

South Carolina Mortgage Rates 2026

Loan TypeAvg Rate (2026)Best For
30-Year Fixed6.5% – 7.0%Lower monthly payments
15-Year Fixed5.7% – 6.2%Pay off faster, save on interest
FHA 30-Year6.2% – 6.8%Lower credit, 3.5% down
VA Loan5.9% – 6.4%Veterans, 0% down
USDA Loan6.0% – 6.5%Rural South Carolina, 0% down

Mortgage Recast vs Refinance in South Carolina

If you already own a South Carolina home and want a lower payment:

  • Refinance: New loan at potentially lower rate — requires full underwriting, appraisal, 2%–5% in closing costs.
  • Mortgage Recast: Lump-sum payment toward principal, re-amortized at same rate. Only $150–$500 fee. No credit check. Must have conventional loan.

🔄 Use our Free Mortgage Recast Calculator to see how much you could save on your South Carolina mortgage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about mortgages in South Carolina

What is the average mortgage payment in South Carolina?+
Based on South Carolina's average home price of $255,000 with a 20% down payment ($51,000) and 6.8% on a 30-year mortgage, the estimated monthly PITI payment is $1568. This includes $1330 principal & interest, $121 property tax (0.57%), and $117 insurance. Your actual payment depends on your specific loan terms, credit score, and location within South Carolina.
What is the property tax rate in South Carolina?+
South Carolina has an average effective property tax rate of 0.57% per year. On a $255,000 home that's $1454 per year ($121/month). County rates vary — check your local South Carolina county assessor's office for the precise rate in your area.
How much down payment do I need in South Carolina?+
For a $255,000 South Carolina home your options are:
  • 3.5% FHA: $8,925 — requires PMI
  • 5% Conventional: $12,750 — requires PMI
  • 10%: $25,500 — lower PMI
  • 20%: $51,000 — no PMI!
  • 0% VA/USDA: $0 — for eligible veterans & rural areas
How much income do I need to afford a home in South Carolina?+
Using the 28% debt-to-income rule, you need approximately $57,000 gross annual income to comfortably afford a $255,000 home in South Carolina with 20% down. This means your monthly housing costs ($1568) don't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Your actual qualifying income may differ based on debt, credit score, and lender.
Can I use a mortgage recast in South Carolina?+
Yes! South Carolina homeowners with conventional loans (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) can recast their mortgage. Make a lump-sum principal payment (typically $5,000+ minimum), and your lender re-amortizes the balance at the same rate — lowering your monthly payment with a small fee ($150–$500). Note: FHA, VA, and USDA loans are generally not eligible for recasting in South Carolina.
What is PMI and when is it required in South Carolina?+
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required in South Carolina when your down payment is under 20%. It typically costs 0.3%–1.5% of the loan per year — on a $204,000 South Carolina loan that's roughly $$255 per month. PMI is automatically removed once you reach 20% equity in your South Carolina home. Use our PMI Calculator to estimate your exact cost.
30-year vs 15-year mortgage in South Carolina — which is better?+
On a $204,000 South Carolina loan:
  • 30-Year at 6.8%: ~$1330/month — lower payment, total interest: $274,800
  • 15-Year at 6.0%: ~$1,721/month — higher payment but saves tens of thousands in interest
Choose 30-year if cash flow is important. Choose 15-year if you want to build equity fast and save on interest.
What are current mortgage rates in South Carolina for 2026?+
As of 2026, South Carolina mortgage rates average:
  • 30-Year Fixed: ~6.5% – 7.0%
  • 15-Year Fixed: ~5.7% – 6.2%
  • FHA 30-Year: ~6.2% – 6.8%
  • VA Loan: ~5.9% – 6.4%
  • Jumbo: ~6.8% – 7.4%
Always compare quotes from multiple South Carolina lenders. Even 0.25% difference can save thousands over your loan life.

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