Cost of Living in Chester, SC
Population 5,241 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $41,231, median household incomes in Chester land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 11.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 40 miles southwest of Charlotte, Chester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 70% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chester
The median home value in Chester is $106,400 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $905/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,231/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.6%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 49.7°F. Overall, Chester has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Chester 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 | 52 | 57 | 64 | 74 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 31 | 34 | 40 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 49 | 39 | 33 |
| Precip" | 3.47 | 3.15 | 3.78 | 3.55 | 3.16 | 3.97 | 4.02 | 3.98 | 3.42 | 3.01 | 3.25 | 3.62 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chester, SC?
Chester has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chester, SC?
The median gross rent in Chester is $905 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $106,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester is $41,231 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chester, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chester is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Chester, SC affordable?
Yes, Chester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 49.7°F. Annual precipitation is 42.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chester at a Glance
- Population
- 5,241
- Median Income
- $41,231
- Home Value
- $106,400
- Median Rent
- $905/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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