Cost of Living in Bamberg, SC
Population 3,036 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bamberg's median household income of $27,614 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 (32% here). At 18.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Bamberg is about 50 miles south of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bamberg
The median home value in Bamberg is $129,500 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $779/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $27,614/year is 63% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.0%, 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 75.8°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, Bamberg has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
Bamberg has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 58 | 62 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 77 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 37 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 44 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.63 | 3.34 | 3.60 | 2.85 | 3.35 | 4.67 | 4.95 | 4.21 | 3.98 | 3.16 | 2.70 | 3.23 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bamberg, SC?
Bamberg has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bamberg, SC?
The median gross rent in Bamberg is $779 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bamberg?
The median home value in Bamberg is $129,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bamberg?
The median household income in Bamberg is $27,614 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bamberg, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bamberg is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Bamberg, SC affordable?
Yes, Bamberg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bamberg?
Bamberg has average high temperatures of 75.8°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bamberg at a Glance
- Population
- 3,036
- Median Income
- $27,614
- Home Value
- $129,500
- Median Rent
- $779/mo
- Unemployment
- 18.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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