Aiken, SC vs Clemson, SC

Aiken, SC and Clemson, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Aiken scores 90 while Clemson scores 92 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Aiken is $1,199/month compared to $972/month in Clemson — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Clemson has cheaper rent, Aiken actually has lower median home values ($261,800 vs $359,100).

Median household income in Aiken is $69,837 compared to $49,713 in Clemson (+40.5%). Aiken offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Aiken spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, less than the 23.5% in Clemson.

Climate-wise, Aiken is notably warmer with an average of 65.4°F compared to 61.4°F in Clemson. Clemson receives more rainfall at 49" per year compared to 44.1" in Aiken.