Cost of Living in Gaffney, SC
Population 12,612 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $41,214, median household incomes in Gaffney land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 11.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Gaffney is about 50 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 60% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gaffney
The median home value in Gaffney is $141,100 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $822/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,214/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.3%, 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 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Gaffney has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% 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 | 53 | 58 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 3.28 | 3.94 | 3.88 | 3.46 | 4.21 | 3.47 | 3.95 | 3.75 | 3.29 | 3.30 | 3.44 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gaffney, SC?
The median gross rent in Gaffney is $822 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gaffney?
The median home value in Gaffney is $141,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gaffney?
The median household income in Gaffney is $41,214 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gaffney, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gaffney is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Gaffney, SC affordable?
Yes, Gaffney is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gaffney?
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.
Gaffney at a Glance
- Population
- 12,612
- Median Income
- $41,214
- Home Value
- $141,100
- Median Rent
- $822/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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