Cost of Living in Clemson, SC
Population 17,759 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Clemson 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. Around 36% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Clemson is about 60 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke County, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Clemson
The median home value in Clemson is $359,100 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $972/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,713/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, below 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. Overall, Clemson has a cost of living index of 100 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is on par with the national average.
🏠 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 | 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, SC?
Clemson has a cost index of 100 (100 = national average). It is near the national average.
What is average rent in Clemson, SC?
The median gross rent in Clemson is $972 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Clemson?
The median home value in Clemson is $359,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Clemson?
The median household income in Clemson is $49,713 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Clemson, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Clemson is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Clemson, SC affordable?
Clemson is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 100 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Clemson?
Clemson 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 at a Glance
- Population
- 17,759
- Median Income
- $49,713
- Home Value
- $359,100
- Median Rent
- $972/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°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