Cost of Living in Anderson, SC
Population 29,563 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Anderson's median household income of $44,321 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (22% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 55 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke County, Anderson is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Anderson
The median home value in Anderson is $199,600 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $965/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,321/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above 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 72.5°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Anderson has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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 | 53 | 57 | 65 | 73 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 49 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 70 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.09 | 3.88 | 4.32 | 3.59 | 3.74 | 4.18 | 3.76 | 3.90 | 3.74 | 3.12 | 3.60 | 4.42 |
💨 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 Anderson, SC?
Anderson has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Anderson, SC?
The median gross rent in Anderson is $965 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Anderson?
The median home value in Anderson is $199,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Anderson?
The median household income in Anderson is $44,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Anderson, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Anderson is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Anderson, SC affordable?
Yes, Anderson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Anderson?
Anderson has average high temperatures of 72.5°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Anderson at a Glance
- Population
- 29,563
- Median Income
- $44,321
- Home Value
- $199,600
- Median Rent
- $965/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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