Cost of Living in East Gaffney, SC

Population 3,169 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in East Gaffney run well below national norms — a median of $26,314 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $79,000). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, East Gaffney is about 45 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 78% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 26
Rent 57

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

About the Cost of Living in East Gaffney

The median home value in East Gaffney is $78,900 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $753/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $26,314/year is 65% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, East Gaffney has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$78,900
74% below avg
Median Rent
$753/mo
43% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
8.7x
Favors buying
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
Owner-occupied 76.7%
Renter-occupied 23.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$753
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,367/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 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
24.0 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
92.1%
Carpooled
6.1%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
1.1%

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

Median Household Income
$26,314
65% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,599
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
55% below avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
Labor Force Participation
50.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.3%
Graduate degree 8.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7
Male median age 41
Female median age 43.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
73.0°F
Avg Low
51.3°F
Annual Precip
43.3"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 535865748188918983746456
Low °F 333642505867706963514136
Precip" 3.343.283.943.883.464.213.473.953.753.293.303.44

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in East Gaffney, SC?

East Gaffney has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in East Gaffney, SC?

The median gross rent in East Gaffney is $753 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in East Gaffney?

The median home value in East Gaffney is $78,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in East Gaffney?

The median household income in East Gaffney is $26,314 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in East Gaffney, SC?

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

Is East Gaffney, SC affordable?

Yes, East Gaffney is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in East Gaffney?

East Gaffney has average high temperatures of 73.0°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

East Gaffney at a Glance

Population
3,169
Median Income
$26,314
Home Value
$78,900
Median Rent
$753/mo
Unemployment
2.2%
Avg High Temp
73.0°F
Sales Tax
7.5%
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🗺️ County data for South Carolina

Explore county-level cost of living data

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