Anderson, SC vs Sumter, SC

Anderson, SC and Sumter, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.5% difference in their overall index. Anderson scores 78 while Sumter scores 78 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 Anderson is $965/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Anderson has cheaper rent, Sumter actually has lower median home values ($188,400 vs $199,600).

Median household income in Anderson is $44,321 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (-16.5%). Sumter offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Anderson spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, Sumter is notably warmer with an average of 65.5°F compared to 61.9°F in Anderson. Anderson receives more rainfall at 46.3" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.