A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
34%
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 St. Andrews South Carolina National
Cost of living8994100
Groceries10099100
Health care10298100
Housing6681100
Transportation9899100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9898100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in St. Andrews, SC

The cost of living in St. Andrews 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 St. Andrews is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Is St. Andrews Affordable?

Is St. Andrews 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 St. Andrews, the median home price is 45.9% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 6.9% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in St. Andrews come in at $55,741, which is 31.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in St. Andrews?

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 St. Andrews, the utilities index stands at 3.9% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In St. Andrews, the healthcare costs are 1.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The St. Andrews 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 St. Andrews is 4% lower than the South Carolina average
  • The cost of living in St. Andrews is 11% lower than the national average
  • St. Andrews housing is 34% 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 St. Andrews

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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$84,105$7,009$1,962$2,523
      Renters$49,199$4,100$1,148$1,476
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in St. Andrews 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. St. Andrews has a median income of about $84,105 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,962 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $49,199. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,148 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.
      Springdale CDP, SC2,4228317.4%
      Jenkinsville, SC388515.0%
      Springdale, SC2,9778712.9%
      Hopkins, SC2,1158712.5%
      Peak, SC56919.4%
      St. Andrews, SC22,1888910.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Anniston, AL22,1788713.0%
      Hamtramck, MI22,1998416.2%
      Kapolei, HI22,17517372.6%
      Prichard, AL22,2038217.6%
      Duarte, CA22,16915454.5%
      St. Andrews, SC22,1888910.7%
      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.