F
25%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
89%
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 Five Forks South Carolina National
Cost of living12594100
Groceries9899100
Health care9698100
Housing18981100
Transportation9899100
Utilities100101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9798100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Five Forks, SC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Five Forks? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Five Forks stands at 125, making it 25% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Five Forks may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Five Forks falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Five Forks cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 88.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Five Forks Affordable?

Is Five Forks an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Five Forks is 94.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 76.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Five Forks has a median household income of $165,408, which is 103.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Five Forks?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Five Forks, the housing index comes in at 88.9% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Five Forks, the utilities index stands at 0.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Five Forks cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Five Forks is 34% higher than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Five Forks is 25% higher than the national average
  • Five Forks housing is 89% higher 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 Five Forks

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Compare Five Forks, 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$187,527$15,627$4,375$5,626
      Renters$67,145$5,595$1,567$2,015
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Five Forks, SC, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Five Forks, homeowners have a median income of $187,527. Using that number, a maximum of $4,375 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $67,145, which means there is a maximum of $1,567 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Ware Place, SC1188119.2%
      Saxon, SC3,8378119.2%
      Startex, SC5698119.3%
      Enoree, SC5778218.4%
      Southern Shops, SC4,1048317.2%
      Five Forks, SC20,12212524.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON20,111n/a 
      Horizon City, TX20,136927.8%
      Franconia, VA20,09714039.7%
      Angleton, TX20,095936.6%
      Willmar, MN20,156936.7%
      Five Forks, SC20,12212524.9%
      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.