A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
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 Fountain Inn South Carolina National
Cost of living9594100
Groceries10199100
Health care9998100
Housing8481100
Transportation9999100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fountain Inn, SC

The cost of living in Fountain Inn 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 Fountain Inn is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Fountain Inn are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Fountain Inn can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Fountain Inn Affordable?

Is Fountain Inn an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Fountain Inn, the median home price is 11.9% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 24.2% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Fountain Inn come in at $98,377, which is 21% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fountain Inn?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Fountain Inn, the utilities index is 4.4% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Fountain Inn, healthcare costs are 0.8% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Fountain Inn, the transportation index stands at 0.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Fountain Inn are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fountain Inn is 2% higher than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Fountain Inn is 5% lower than the national average
  • Fountain Inn housing is 16% 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 Fountain Inn

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Compare Fountain Inn, SC Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,753$9,479$2,654$3,413
      Renters$41,375$3,448$965$1,241
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Fountain Inn, SC, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Fountain Inn homeowners, is $113,753. This would allow for a maximum of $2,654 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $41,375 which would result in a maximum of $965 to be spent on rental 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.
      Princeton, SC631000.1%
      Ware Place, SC1188119.2%
      Enoree, SC5778218.4%
      Watts Mills, SC2,0218218.0%
      Gray Court, SC8038514.6%
      Fountain Inn, SC10,371954.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rideau Lakes, ON10,371n/a 
      Ventnor City, NJ10,37012020.4%
      Chalco, NE10,372964.3%
      Le Mars, IA10,368946.3%
      Plymouth, IN10,3668515.3%
      Fountain Inn, SC10,371954.6%
      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.