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Catawba, SC vs Liberty, SC

97
Catawba
South Carolina
VS
+42.2%
68
Liberty
South Carolina

The cost of living difference between Catawba, SC and Liberty, SC is dramatic. Liberty is 42.2% cheaper than Catawba, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Catawba has a cost index of 97 while Liberty sits at 68, 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 Catawba is $1,525/month compared to $725/month in Liberty — a 110% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Liberty is more affordable at $162,800 median vs $198,100.

Median household income in Catawba is $55,385 compared to $42,077 in Liberty (+31.6%). The higher salaries in Catawba partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Catawba spend roughly 33% of their income on rent, more than the 20.7% in Liberty. The Liberty ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (61°F vs 61.4°F). Liberty receives more rainfall at 49" per year compared to 42.4" in Catawba.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Catawba
97
Liberty
68
30% cheaper
Median Household Income
Catawba
$55,385
24% higher
Liberty
$42,077

Housing

Median Rent
Catawba
$1,525
Liberty
$725
52% cheaper
Median Home Value
Catawba
$198,100
Liberty
$162,800
18% cheaper
Population
Catawba
1,225
Liberty
3,337

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Catawba $2.96
Liberty $2.94
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Catawba $2.42
Liberty $2.40
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Catawba $3.89
Liberty $3.86
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Catawba $1.79
Liberty $1.78
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Catawba $4.00
Liberty $3.97
US $4.14
Electricity
Catawba $0.16
Liberty $0.16
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Catawba 61°F
Liberty 61.4°F
Summer High
Catawba 90°F
Liberty 89°F
Winter Low
Catawba 31°F
Liberty 34°F
Rainfall
Catawba 42.4"
Liberty 49"
Rainy Days
Catawba 125d
Liberty 127d