Cost of Living in Saluda, SC
Population 3,095 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Saluda's median household income of $40,567 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (41% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Saluda is about 45 miles northeast of Augusta-Richmond County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Saluda
The median home value in Saluda is $81,500 — 73% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $772/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,567/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 72.6°F and lows of 49.8°F. Overall, Saluda has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Saluda 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 | 65 | 73 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 74 | 63 | 56 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 48 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 49 | 39 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.91 | 3.61 | 4.17 | 2.79 | 2.99 | 3.72 | 3.83 | 3.25 | 3.35 | 3.03 | 3.32 | 4.04 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Saluda, SC?
Saluda has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Saluda, SC?
The median gross rent in Saluda is $772 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Saluda?
The median home value in Saluda is $81,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Saluda?
The median household income in Saluda is $40,567 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Saluda, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Saluda is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Saluda, SC affordable?
Yes, Saluda is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Saluda?
Saluda has average high temperatures of 72.6°F and average lows of 49.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Saluda at a Glance
- Population
- 3,095
- Median Income
- $40,567
- Home Value
- $81,500
- Median Rent
- $772/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.6°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