| Index | Sumter | South Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 78 | 81 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 94 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 98 | 100 |
The cost of living in Sumter 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 Sumter is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
In Sumter, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Sumter will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 24 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Sumter. The results indicated that 67% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 33% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Is Sumter affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Sumter, the median home price is 27.2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 11.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Sumter boasting a median household income of $61,655, 24.2% lower than the national average.
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 Sumter, the housing index is 22.5% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Sumter, healthcare costs are 3.3% lower 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 Sumter, the utilities index stands at 2.7% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Sumter shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $81,343 | $6,779 | $1,898 | $2,441 |
| Renters | $46,571 | $3,881 | $1,087 | $1,397 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| South Carolina | 6% | 9% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| South Carolina | 0% | 6.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Boykin, SC | 123 | 98 | 1.6% |
| Cherryvale, SC | 3,392 | 81 | 18.9% |
| Rembert, SC | 223 | 81 | 18.6% |
| Pinewood, SC | 595 | 82 | 18.3% |
| East Sumter, SC | 1,236 | 84 | 16.3% |
| Sumter, SC | 40,739 | 92 | 7.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Germantown, TN | 40,725 | 120 | 20.0% |
| Marlborough, MA | 40,753 | 137 | 36.5% |
| Crystal Lake, IL | 40,724 | 108 | 7.9% |
| Essex, MD | 40,724 | 108 | 7.7% |
| New Berlin, WI | 40,724 | 112 | 12.4% |
| Sumter, SC | 40,739 | 92 | 7.9% |
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