In short
South Carolina's Lowcountry and Grand Strand retirement communities draw families from across the East Coast. Assisted living statewide averages about $5,350 a month. South Carolina's Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) program and Community Choices waiver help qualifying seniors pay for assisted living and home care through the state's Medicaid agency.
South Carolina’s senior care landscape
South Carolina’s senior population has grown rapidly as retirees from the Northeast and Midwest move to the coast, especially the Grand Strand area around Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. Assisted living costs are generally below the national median, making the state an affordable option for families.
The state’s long-term care system is administered through SCDHHS, with the Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) program and Community Choices waiver providing home- and community-based services. The Optional State Supplementation (OSS) program provides a small monthly payment toward assisted living for very-low-income seniors.
DHEC licenses and inspects all long-term care facilities, and the Waccamaw AAA serves Horry and Georgetown counties including Myrtle Beach.
What care costs in South Carolina
These are South Carolina-wide medians from the 2025 CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Actual costs in your city can be higher or lower.
| Type of care | South Carolina median (2025) | National median (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living | $5,350 a month | $6,200 a month |
| Nursing home (semi-private) | $9,034 a month | $9,581 a month |
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $5,982 a month | $6,673 a month |
Not sure where to start?
Tell us where your parent is and what kind of care they need. We’ll tell you the options in their area and help you narrow to the few worth your time.
How South Carolina helps families pay
South Carolina programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- South Carolina’s Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) program and Community Choices waiver help qualifying seniors pay for assisted living, home care, and other community-based services.
- Who qualifies
- Income limit of $2,982/month single for nursing home and CLTC. Asset limit of $2,000 single.
- Where to start
- Waccamaw Area Agency on Aging, 843-546-8502; or your county Department of Health and Human Services
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; Waccamaw AAA; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Our South Carolina city pages
Each city page has specific cost ranges, local Area Agency on Aging contacts, neighborhood guidance, and answers to local questions.
| City | County | Typical AL cost |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach | Horry County | $4,500 to $5,500/mo |
Questions families ask
Does South Carolina have a Medicaid program for assisted living?
Yes. The Community Choices waiver and Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) program can help pay for assisted living and home care for qualifying seniors.
Is hurricane preparedness a concern in SC?
Yes, especially along the coast. Every licensed assisted living facility must have a written emergency plan and backup power. Ask any community for its plan.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living in South Carolina?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living or any form of long-term custodial care.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, carescout.com/cost-of-care; State agency websites; Medicare.gov; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved October 8, 2026.