Cost of Living in Greenville, SC
Population 71,755 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Greenville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $68,460 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Geographically, Greenville lies roughly 85 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Athens-Clarke County. Median home values run roughly 67% 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 Greenville
The median home value in Greenville is $453,300 — 49% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,248/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,460/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 73.1°F and lows of 53.4°F. Overall, Greenville has a cost of living index of 127 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% more 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 | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 84 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 35 | 38 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 54 | 44 | 37 |
| Precip" | 4.00 | 3.71 | 4.25 | 3.63 | 3.86 | 3.86 | 5.16 | 4.00 | 3.45 | 3.23 | 3.60 | 4.29 |
💨 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 Greenville, SC?
Greenville has a cost index of 127 (100 = national average). It is 27% above the national average.
What is average rent in Greenville, SC?
The median gross rent in Greenville is $1,248 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Greenville?
The median home value in Greenville is $453,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Greenville?
The median household income in Greenville is $68,460 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Greenville, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Greenville is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Greenville, SC affordable?
Greenville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 127 — about 27% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Greenville?
Greenville has average high temperatures of 73.1°F and average lows of 53.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Greenville at a Glance
- Population
- 71,755
- Median Income
- $68,460
- Home Value
- $453,300
- Median Rent
- $1,248/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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