Cost of Living in St. Andrews, SC
Population 20,953 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in St. Andrews run well below national norms — a median of $45,321 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $147,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
St. Andrews sits roughly 11 miles west of Columbia — 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 St. Andrews
The median home value in St. Andrews is $146,700 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,060/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,321/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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 75.6°F and lows of 52.9°F, with about 1.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, St. Andrews has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 | 57 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 66 | 59 |
| Low °F | 35 | 37 | 44 | 52 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 53 | 42 | 37 |
| Precip" | 3.49 | 3.39 | 3.57 | 2.83 | 3.49 | 4.97 | 5.35 | 4.65 | 3.91 | 3.13 | 2.76 | 3.70 |
| Snow" | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in St. Andrews, SC?
St. Andrews has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in St. Andrews, SC?
The median gross rent in St. Andrews is $1,060 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in St. Andrews?
The median home value in St. Andrews is $146,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in St. Andrews?
The median household income in St. Andrews is $45,321 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in St. Andrews, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in St. Andrews is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is St. Andrews, SC affordable?
Yes, St. Andrews is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in St. Andrews?
St. Andrews has average high temperatures of 75.6°F and average lows of 52.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Average annual snowfall is 1.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
St. Andrews at a Glance
- Population
- 20,953
- Median Income
- $45,321
- Home Value
- $146,700
- Median Rent
- $1,060/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 75.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
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South Carolina Rankings
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