A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Cayce South Carolina National
Cost of living9494100
Groceries10099100
Health care10298100
Housing8281100
Transportation9899100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Cayce, SC

The cost of living in Cayce affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Cayce is 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Cayce, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Cayce will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Cayce Affordable?

Is Cayce affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Cayce, for instance, where the median home price falls 30.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 8.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Cayce flaunting a median household income of $77,173, 5.1% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Cayce?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Cayce, the groceries index is 0.2% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Cayce, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6%, and income tax rates start at 0%.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Cayce, the transportation index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Cayce shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cayce is 1% higher than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Cayce is 6% lower than the national average
  • Cayce housing is 18% lower than the national average
  • South Carolina general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • South Carolina state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Cayce

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Compare Cayce, SC Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$96,472$8,039$2,251$2,894
      Renters$62,373$5,198$1,455$1,871
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Cayce, SC, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Cayce have a median income of $96,472. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,251 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $62,373, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,455.

      South Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      South Carolina 6% 9%

      South Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      South Carolina 0% 6.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Springdale CDP, SC2,4228317.4%
      Springdale, SC2,9778712.9%
      Hopkins, SC2,1158712.5%
      Gaston, SC2,1388911.1%
      St. Andrews, SC22,1888910.7%
      Cayce, SC14,389946.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mountain View County, AB14,390n/a 
      Deming, NM14,3838316.5%
      Springdale, NJ14,39612626.4%
      Reidsville, NC14,4019010.3%
      South Stormont, ON14,401n/a 
      Cayce, SC14,389946.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.