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Carolina Forest, SC vs Fountain Inn, SC

105
Carolina Forest
South Carolina
VS
+21.9%
86
Fountain Inn
South Carolina

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fountain Inn is 21.9% cheaper than Carolina Forest. With a cost index of 86 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fountain Inn to Carolina Forest should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carolina Forest is $1,567/month compared to $1,072/month in Fountain Inn — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fountain Inn is more affordable at $255,400 median vs $298,700.

Median household income in Carolina Forest is $70,647 compared to $72,021 in Fountain Inn (-1.9%). Fountain Inn offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carolina Forest spend roughly 26.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.9% in Fountain Inn.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64°F vs 61.3°F). Fountain Inn receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 48.5" in Carolina Forest.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Carolina Forest
105
Fountain Inn
86
18% cheaper
Median Household Income
Carolina Forest
$70,647
Fountain Inn
$72,021
2% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Carolina Forest
$1,567
Fountain Inn
$1,072
32% cheaper
Median Home Value
Carolina Forest
$298,700
Fountain Inn
$255,400
14% cheaper
Population
Carolina Forest
26,373
Fountain Inn
11,307

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Carolina Forest $2.94
Fountain Inn $2.94
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Carolina Forest $2.40
Fountain Inn $2.40
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Carolina Forest $3.86
Fountain Inn $3.86
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Carolina Forest $1.78
Fountain Inn $1.78
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Carolina Forest $3.97
Fountain Inn $3.97
US $4.14
Electricity
Carolina Forest $0.16
Fountain Inn $0.16
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Carolina Forest 64°F
Fountain Inn 61.3°F
Summer High
Carolina Forest 88°F
Fountain Inn 90°F
Winter Low
Carolina Forest 37°F
Fountain Inn 32°F
Rainfall
Carolina Forest 48.5"
Fountain Inn 49.7"
Rainy Days
Carolina Forest 122d
Fountain Inn 117d