Cost of Living in Seneca, SC
Population 8,910 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Seneca a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $223,000. At 9.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Seneca is about 55 miles northeast of Athens-Clarke County, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Seneca
The median home value in Seneca is $223,100 — 27% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $806/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,207/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.5%, 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 71.2°F and lows of 51.6°F. Overall, Seneca has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.
Seneca 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 | 52 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 79 | 85 | 89 | 87 | 82 | 72 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.51 | 4.16 | 4.67 | 3.78 | 3.49 | 4.40 | 3.65 | 4.91 | 3.68 | 3.60 | 3.64 | 4.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Seneca, SC?
Seneca has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Seneca, SC?
The median gross rent in Seneca is $806 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Seneca?
The median home value in Seneca is $223,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Seneca?
The median household income in Seneca is $52,207 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Seneca, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Seneca is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Seneca, SC affordable?
Yes, Seneca is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Seneca?
Seneca has average high temperatures of 71.2°F and average lows of 51.6°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Seneca at a Glance
- Population
- 8,910
- Median Income
- $52,207
- Home Value
- $223,100
- Median Rent
- $806/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 71.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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