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Clemson, SC vs Spartanburg, SC

92
Clemson
South Carolina
VS
+16.6%
79
Spartanburg
South Carolina

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Spartanburg is 16.6% cheaper than Clemson. With a cost index of 79 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Spartanburg to Clemson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clemson is $972/month compared to $1,043/month in Spartanburg — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Clemson has cheaper rent, Spartanburg actually has lower median home values ($185,300 vs $359,100).

Median household income in Clemson is $49,713 compared to $51,193 in Spartanburg (-2.9%). Spartanburg offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clemson spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.4% in Spartanburg.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (61.4°F vs 61.3°F). Spartanburg receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 49" in Clemson.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Clemson
92
Spartanburg
79
14% cheaper
Median Household Income
Clemson
$49,713
Spartanburg
$51,193
3% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Clemson
$972
7% cheaper
Spartanburg
$1,043
Median Home Value
Clemson
$359,100
Spartanburg
$185,300
48% cheaper
Population
Clemson
17,759
Spartanburg
38,578

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Clemson 61.4°F
Spartanburg 61.3°F
Summer High
Clemson 89°F
Spartanburg 90°F
Winter Low
Clemson 34°F
Spartanburg 32°F
Rainfall
Clemson 49"
Spartanburg 49.7"
Rainy Days
Clemson 127d
Spartanburg 117d