Cost of Living in Clemson University, SC

Population 6,434 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Geographically, Clemson University is about 60 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke County, the nearest large metro. Athens-Clarke County's typical home runs $272,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Clemson University

The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 51.6°F.

🎓

Clemson University is a campus community

This Census-Designated Place covers the Clemson University campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

Clemson, SC

Median home: $359,100

Rent: $972/mo

Income: $49,713

Anderson, SC

Median home: $199,600

Rent: $965/mo

Income: $44,321

Easley, SC

Median home: $243,100

Rent: $903/mo

Income: $65,330

Powdersville, SC

Median home: $318,600

Rent: $1,231/mo

Income: $88,125

Parker, SC

Median home: $121,800

Rent: $1,066/mo

Income: $38,607

🏠 Housing

Property Tax Rate

0.6%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$807

1 BR

$841

2 BR

$1,028

3 BR

$1,294

4 BR

$1,567

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

14.6 min

46% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

9.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

49.8%

Carpooled

4.3%

Walked

33.5%

Work from home

9.7%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 6.4%

Total Sales Tax 7.5%

State rate 6.0%

Avg local rate 1.5%

Property Tax 0.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Per Capita Income

$4,362

Unemployment Rate

13.2%

174% above avg

Labor Force Participation

30.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.4%

Graduate degree 84.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 19.3

Male median age 19.5

Female median age 19.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High

71.2°F

Avg Low

51.6°F

Annual Precip

49"

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	52	56	64	72	79	85	89	87	82	72	62	54
Low °F	34	36	43	50	59	66	70	69	64	52	42	36
Precip"	4.51	4.16	4.67	3.78	3.49	4.40	3.65	4.91	3.68	3.60	3.64	4.50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Clemson University, SC?

Cost of living data for Clemson University is based on 2023 Census ACS estimates.

What is the sales tax in Clemson University, SC?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clemson University is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.

Is Clemson University, SC affordable?

Affordability in Clemson University depends on your income and lifestyle. Review the housing, rent, and income data above for a complete picture.

What is the weather like in Clemson University?

Clemson University has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 51.6°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Clemson University at a Glance

Population: 6,434
Unemployment: 13.2%
Avg High Temp: 71.2°F
Sales Tax: 7.5%

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🗺️ County data for South Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data