Cost of Living in Berea, SC
Population 16,642 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Berea's median household income of $48,104 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 — 6.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Berea lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Athens-Clarke County. Median home values run roughly 31% 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 Berea
The median home value in Berea is $187,200 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,032/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,104/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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 73.1°F and lows of 53.4°F. Overall, Berea has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 84 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 54 | 44 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.00 | 3.71 | 4.25 | 3.63 | 3.86 | 3.86 | 5.16 | 4.00 | 3.45 | 3.23 | 3.60 | 4.29 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Berea, SC?
Berea has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Berea, SC?
The median gross rent in Berea is $1,032 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Berea?
The median home value in Berea is $187,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Berea?
The median household income in Berea is $48,104 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Berea, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berea is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Berea, SC affordable?
Yes, Berea is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Berea?
Berea has average high temperatures of 73.1°F and average lows of 53.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Berea at a Glance
- Population
- 16,642
- Median Income
- $48,104
- Home Value
- $187,200
- Median Rent
- $1,032/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs