Berea, SC vs Sumter, SC

Berea, SC and Sumter, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.8% difference in their overall index. Berea scores 79 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 Berea is $1,032/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Berea is more affordable at $187,200 median vs $188,400.

Median household income in Berea is $48,104 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (-9.4%). 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 Berea spend roughly 25.7% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.3°F vs 65.5°F). Berea receives more rainfall at 47" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.