Cost of Living in Florence, SC
Population 40,205 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Florence lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $190,000 — 38% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in South Carolina.
Located 65 miles east of Columbia, Florence is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Florence
The median home value in Florence is $189,800 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,433/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 75.5°F and lows of 53.9°F. Overall, Florence has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 77 | 67 | 59 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 54 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 3.08 | 3.00 | 3.19 | 3.00 | 3.71 | 4.61 | 5.80 | 4.86 | 4.53 | 3.42 | 2.63 | 3.47 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Florence, SC?
Florence has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Florence, SC?
The median gross rent in Florence is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Florence?
The median home value in Florence is $189,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Florence?
The median household income in Florence is $56,433 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Florence, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Florence is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Florence, SC affordable?
Yes, Florence is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Florence?
Florence has average high temperatures of 75.5°F and average lows of 53.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Florence at a Glance
- Population
- 40,205
- Median Income
- $56,433
- Home Value
- $189,800
- Median Rent
- $922/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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