Cost of Living in Central, SC

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10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
34%
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 Central South Carolina National
Cost of living9094100
Groceries10199100
Health care9998100
Housing6681100
Transportation9999100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9898100
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Homes For Sale In Central, SC

property for sale

817 Johnson Rd

Central, SC
property for sale

3435 6 Mile Hwy

Central, SC
property for sale

1 Luna Ln

Central, SC
property for sale

418 Pin du Lac Dr

Central, SC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Central is 4% lower than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Central is 10% lower than the national average
  • Central housing is 34% 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 Central

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Compare Central, SC Cost of Living

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      The best places in South Carolina

      Here are the best places to live in South CarolinaThese are the 10 cheapest cities in South CarolinaSafest States In The USSee the best places to live in Central
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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$62,231$5,186$1,452$1,867
      Renters$44,464$3,705$1,037$1,334
      The affordability of the housing market in Central, SC as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Central homeowners, the median income is $62,231. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,452 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $44,464. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,037 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Newry, SC1007920.8%
      West Union, SC3258712.9%
      Norris, SC7758910.8%
      Liberty, SC3,240909.7%
      Pickens, SC3,273919.4%
      Central, SC5,4619010.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bulverde, TX5,46111514.8%
      Winterset, IA5,460937.0%
      Adel, GA5,4598812.3%
      Greenacres, CA5,46312020.2%
      Richlands, VA5,4638614.0%
      Central, SC5,4619010.2%
      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.
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