Cost of Living in Aiken, SC
Population 32,334 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Aiken lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $262,000 — 14% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in South Carolina.
Aiken sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Augusta-Richmond County — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 61% higher than Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Aiken
The median home value in Aiken is $261,800 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,199/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,837/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 77.8°F and lows of 53.0°F. Overall, Aiken has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 64 | 71 | 79 | 86 | 91 | 94 | 93 | 88 | 79 | 69 | 62 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 53 | 42 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.84 | 3.67 | 4.08 | 2.92 | 3.05 | 4.75 | 4.48 | 4.61 | 3.60 | 2.56 | 2.66 | 3.87 |
| Snow" | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Aiken, SC?
Aiken has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Aiken, SC?
The median gross rent in Aiken is $1,199 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Aiken?
The median home value in Aiken is $261,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Aiken?
The median household income in Aiken is $69,837 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Aiken, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Aiken is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Aiken, SC affordable?
Yes, Aiken is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Aiken?
Aiken has average high temperatures of 77.8°F and average lows of 53.0°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Aiken at a Glance
- Population
- 32,334
- Median Income
- $69,837
- Home Value
- $261,800
- Median Rent
- $1,199/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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