Cost of Living in Garden City, SC
Population 10,820 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Garden City skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 61. Reported household income of $50,027 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities.
Geographically, Garden City lies roughly 75 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Charleston. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Charleston's $469,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Garden City
The median home value in Garden City is $194,100 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,382/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,027/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 72.7°F and lows of 55.3°F. Overall, Garden City has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% 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 | 56 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 83 | 76 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 74 | 73 | 68 | 56 | 46 | 40 |
| Precip" | 3.01 | 3.18 | 3.59 | 2.77 | 2.96 | 4.07 | 5.40 | 6.25 | 6.65 | 4.20 | 3.29 | 3.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Garden City, SC?
Garden City has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Garden City, SC?
The median gross rent in Garden City is $1,382 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Garden City?
The median home value in Garden City is $194,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Garden City?
The median household income in Garden City is $50,027 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Garden City, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Garden City is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Garden City, SC affordable?
Yes, Garden City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Garden City?
Garden City has average high temperatures of 72.7°F and average lows of 55.3°F. Annual precipitation is 48.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Garden City at a Glance
- Population
- 10,820
- Median Income
- $50,027
- Home Value
- $194,100
- Median Rent
- $1,382/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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