Cost of Living in Spartanburg, SC
Population 38,578 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Spartanburg's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $51,193 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Spartanburg is about 65 miles west of Charlotte, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Spartanburg
The median home value in Spartanburg is $185,300 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,043/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,193/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 50.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Spartanburg has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% 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 | 53 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 4.12 | 3.84 | 4.48 | 4.04 | 4.07 | 3.90 | 4.82 | 4.66 | 3.73 | 3.59 | 3.84 | 4.58 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 |
💨 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 Spartanburg, SC?
Spartanburg has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Spartanburg, SC?
The median gross rent in Spartanburg is $1,043 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Spartanburg?
The median home value in Spartanburg is $185,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Spartanburg?
The median household income in Spartanburg is $51,193 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Spartanburg, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Spartanburg is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Spartanburg, SC affordable?
Yes, Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg?
Spartanburg has average high temperatures of 72.3°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 49.7". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Spartanburg at a Glance
- Population
- 38,578
- Median Income
- $51,193
- Home Value
- $185,300
- Median Rent
- $1,043/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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