Cost of Living in Lancaster, SC
Population 8,738 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Lancaster run well below national norms — a median of $43,234 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $226,000). Around 28% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Lancaster is about 35 miles south of Charlotte, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lancaster
The median home value in Lancaster is $226,300 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $824/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,234/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 14.1%, 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 72.3°F and lows of 50.2°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
Lancaster has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.00 | 2.77 | 3.19 | 2.90 | 2.89 | 3.73 | 3.63 | 3.79 | 3.18 | 2.97 | 2.91 | 2.96 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lancaster, SC?
Lancaster has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, SC?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $824 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $226,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $43,234 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Lancaster, SC affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 8,738
- Median Income
- $43,234
- Home Value
- $226,300
- Median Rent
- $824/mo
- Unemployment
- 14.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs