Cost of Living in Sumter, SC
Population 43,065 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Sumter lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $188,000 — 38% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in South Carolina. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Sumter is about 30 miles east of Columbia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Columbia's $244,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sumter
The median home value in Sumter is $188,400 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,055/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,071/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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 76.0°F and lows of 54.9°F. Overall, Sumter has a cost of living index of 69 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% 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 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 44 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 3.27 | 3.48 | 2.70 | 2.95 | 4.77 | 4.80 | 4.65 | 4.33 | 3.07 | 2.78 | 3.47 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sumter, SC?
Sumter has a cost index of 69 (100 = national average). It is 31% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sumter, SC?
The median gross rent in Sumter is $1,055 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sumter?
The median home value in Sumter is $188,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sumter?
The median household income in Sumter is $53,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sumter, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sumter is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Sumter, SC affordable?
Yes, Sumter is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 69 — about 31% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sumter?
Sumter has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 54.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sumter at a Glance
- Population
- 43,065
- Median Income
- $53,071
- Home Value
- $188,400
- Median Rent
- $1,055/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°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