Cost of Living in Clearwater, SC

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8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
28%
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 Clearwater South Carolina National
Cost of living9294100
Groceries10399100
Health care9798100
Housing7281100
Transportation10299100
Utilities105101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9598100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare10098100
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Homes For Sale In Clearwater, SC

property for sale

133 Thompson Ave

North Augusta, SC
property for sale

4 Storm Branch Rd

Clearwater, SC
property for sale

3 Storm Branch Rd

Clearwater, SC
property for sale

2 Storm Branch Rd

Clearwater, SC

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clearwater is 2% lower than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Clearwater is 8% lower than the national average
  • Clearwater housing is 28% 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 Clearwater

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      The best places in South Carolina

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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$85,750$7,146$2,001$2,573
      Renters$41,044$3,420$958$1,231
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Clearwater, 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 Clearwater have a median income of $85,750. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,001 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $41,044, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $958.

      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.
      Clarks Hill, SC201981.8%
      Langley, SC2,2568119.4%
      Warrenville, SC7698218.1%
      Gloverville, SC3,1188416.2%
      New Ellenton, SC2,2148614.1%
      Clearwater, SC4,174928.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Olive, AL4,174927.9%
      Baldwin, WI4,174991.0%
      Reedsport, OR4,173955.2%
      Egg Harbor City, NJ4,1751033.4%
      Spackenkill, NY4,17212626.3%
      Clearwater, SC4,174928.2%
      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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