Cost of Living in Camden, SC
Population 8,025 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Camden sits on the smaller end of the South Carolina city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 25 miles northeast of Columbia, Camden falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Columbia's $244,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Camden
The median home value in Camden is $241,300 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $803/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,289/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.7%, 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 76.0°F and lows of 54.9°F. Overall, Camden has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
Camden 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 | 57 | 61 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 44 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 3.27 | 3.48 | 2.70 | 2.95 | 4.77 | 4.80 | 4.65 | 4.33 | 3.07 | 2.78 | 3.47 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Camden, SC?
Camden has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Camden, SC?
The median gross rent in Camden is $803 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Camden?
The median home value in Camden is $241,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Camden?
The median household income in Camden is $53,289 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Camden, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Camden is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Camden, SC affordable?
Yes, Camden is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Camden?
Camden has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 54.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Camden at a Glance
- Population
- 8,025
- Median Income
- $53,289
- Home Value
- $241,300
- Median Rent
- $803/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°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