Anderson, SC vs James Island, SC

The cost of living difference between Anderson, SC and James Island, SC is dramatic. Anderson is 32.8% cheaper than James Island, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Anderson has a cost index of 78 while James Island sits at 116, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Anderson is $965/month compared to $1,443/month in James Island — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Anderson is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $454,200.

Median household income in Anderson is $44,321 compared to $100,176 in James Island (-55.8%). While James Island is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Anderson spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in James Island.

Climate-wise, James Island is notably warmer with an average of 67.2°F compared to 61.9°F in Anderson. Anderson receives more rainfall at 46.3" per year compared to 44.3" in James Island.