A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Spartanburg South Carolina National
Cost of living9294100
Groceries9799100
Health care9898100
Housing7881100
Transportation9699100
Utilities101101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Spartanburg, SC

Knowing the cost of living in Spartanburg allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Spartanburg stands at 92, marking it 8% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Spartanburg closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Spartanburg can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Spartanburg Affordable?

Is Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg is 26% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 12% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Spartanburg has a median household income of $64,006, which is 21.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Spartanburg?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Spartanburg, the housing index is 21.8% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Spartanburg, healthcare costs are 1.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Spartanburg, the groceries index is 2.9% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg is 2% lower than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Spartanburg is 8% lower than the national average
  • Spartanburg housing is 22% 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 Spartanburg

See all the best places to live around Spartanburg

Compare Spartanburg, 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$89,305$7,442$2,084$2,679
      Renters$43,765$3,647$1,021$1,313
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Spartanburg is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Spartanburg has a median income of about $89,305 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,084 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $43,765. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,021 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Fingerville, SC32982.4%
      Converse, SC560982.4%
      Gramling, SC100972.5%
      Saxon, SC3,8378119.2%
      Startex, SC5698119.3%
      Spartanburg, SC38,808928.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Atlantic City, NJ38,8101044.2%
      Hanover Park, IL38,7801077.0%
      Park Ridge, IL38,85413635.8%
      Valley Stream, NY38,75414444.4%
      Navarre, FL38,86411514.6%
      Spartanburg, SC38,808928.2%
      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.