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How Much Does Home Care Cost in South Carolina?

Published August 14, 2026 · 6 min read

Home care pricing varies a lot depending on where you live in South Carolina, how many hours of care you need, and the level of care involved. Here's a realistic starting point, based on recent statewide survey data, plus what actually moves the number for your situation.

Typical hourly rates in South Carolina

According to the CareScout (formerly Genworth) Cost of Care Survey, non-medical home care in South Carolina runs roughly $28–$29 an hour on average, somewhat below the national median of around $35 an hour. Rates in and around Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia tend to run a bit higher than in more rural counties, and agencies offering skilled or medical home health services typically charge more than companion or personal-care-only rates.

What that adds up to monthly

For a full-time schedule (around 44 hours a week), that works out to roughly $4,900– $5,700 a month for non-medical home care in South Carolina. Most families don't start at full-time, though -- many begin with a few hours a day or a few days a week and adjust as needs change, which brings the monthly cost down proportionally. Live-in or 24/7 care is priced differently (often a daily rate rather than hourly) and costs meaningfully more than a part-time schedule.

What actually drives the price

• Level of care -- companionship and light housekeeping cost less than personal care (bathing, mobility, toileting) or skilled/medical care.
• Hours and schedule -- occasional visits cost less per month than daily care; overnight and live-in care carry a premium.
• Location -- coastal and metro-area agencies generally charge more than rural ones.
• Caregiver credentials -- a certified nursing assistant or home health aide typically costs more per hour than a companion caregiver.
• Agency vs. independent caregiver -- agencies cost more per hour than hiring independently, but include screening, backup coverage, and supervision that independent hires don't.

How home care compares to other care settings

For context, assisted living in South Carolina runs roughly $4,800–$5,400 a month on average, and a semi-private nursing home room runs closer to $8,600–$9,400 a month (private rooms cost more). At lower hours per week, home care is usually the least expensive option and lets someone stay in their own home -- but as needed hours climb toward full-time or 24/7, the gap between home care and a facility narrows considerably. It's worth running the actual math for your situation rather than assuming one option is automatically cheaper.

Get an accurate number for your situation

These are statewide averages, not quotes -- the only way to know what care will actually cost for your family is to talk to agencies serving your county directly. The CareLaunch South Carolina Agency Directory lists home care agencies by county with contact information, so you can request quotes from a few and compare.

Cost figures above are general estimates based on published 2025–2026 industry survey data and change over time. They're meant to help you plan, not as a quote -- for current, exact pricing, contact agencies directly.

Want to know what help is available to cover the cost? See How to Pay for Home Care in South Carolina.

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