A+
0%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Mauldin South Carolina National
Cost of living10094100
Groceries10199100
Health care9998100
Housing10181100
Transportation9999100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9898100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mauldin, SC

Understanding the cost of living in Mauldin can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Mauldin cost of living index is 100, which is 0% equal to the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Mauldin aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Mauldin residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Mauldin Affordable?

Is Mauldin 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 Mauldin is 4.5% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 13.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Mauldin has a median household income of $101,335, which is 24.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mauldin?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Mauldin, the transportation index is 0.7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Mauldin, the housing index is 0.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Mauldin cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Mauldin is 7% higher than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Mauldin is equal to the national average
  • Mauldin housing is 1% 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 Mauldin

See all the best places to live around Mauldin

Compare Mauldin, SC Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Mauldin?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Mauldin?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Mauldin poll results

      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$110,790$9,233$2,585$3,324
      Renters$86,100$7,175$2,009$2,583
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Mauldin, 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 Mauldin, homeowners have a median income of $110,790. Using that number, a maximum of $2,585 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $86,100, which means there is a maximum of $2,009 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%
      Startex, SC5698119.3%
      Gray Court, SC8038514.6%
      Judson, SC1,4598713.3%
      Parker, SC12,6548712.8%
      Mauldin, SC26,6991000.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Owatonna, MN26,702982.5%
      West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA26,70414948.5%
      Brawley, CA26,69111212.0%
      Milford, MA26,68512828.5%
      Madison, MS26,67511111.4%
      Mauldin, SC26,6991000.4%
      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.