Bluffton, SC vs Sumter, SC

The cost of living difference between Bluffton, SC and Sumter, SC is dramatic. Sumter is 75.2% cheaper than Bluffton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bluffton has a cost index of 136 while Sumter sits at 78, 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 Bluffton is $2,187/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 107% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumter is more affordable at $188,400 median vs $444,500.

Median household income in Bluffton is $105,463 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (+98.7%). While Bluffton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bluffton spend roughly 24.9% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (67.5°F vs 65.5°F). Bluffton receives more rainfall at 48.1" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.