Cost of Living in Orangeburg, SC
Population 13,189 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Orangeburg run well below national norms — a median of $33,066 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $145,000). A poverty rate near 32% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Orangeburg is about 40 miles south of Columbia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Orangeburg
The median home value in Orangeburg is $145,000 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $765/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,066/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.8%, 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 75.8°F and lows of 54.2°F. Overall, Orangeburg has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 58 | 62 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 86 | 77 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 37 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 44 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.63 | 3.34 | 3.60 | 2.85 | 3.35 | 4.67 | 4.95 | 4.21 | 3.98 | 3.16 | 2.70 | 3.23 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Orangeburg, SC?
Orangeburg has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Orangeburg, SC?
The median gross rent in Orangeburg is $765 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Orangeburg?
The median home value in Orangeburg is $145,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Orangeburg?
The median household income in Orangeburg is $33,066 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Orangeburg, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Orangeburg is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Orangeburg, SC affordable?
Yes, Orangeburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Orangeburg?
Orangeburg has average high temperatures of 75.8°F and average lows of 54.2°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Orangeburg at a Glance
- Population
- 13,189
- Median Income
- $33,066
- Home Value
- $145,000
- Median Rent
- $765/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.8°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