Clemson, SC vs Sumter, SC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sumter is 17.5% cheaper than Clemson. With a cost index of 78 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sumter to Clemson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clemson is $972/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Clemson has cheaper rent, Sumter actually has lower median home values ($188,400 vs $359,100).

Median household income in Clemson is $49,713 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (-6.3%). 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 Clemson spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, Sumter is notably warmer with an average of 65.5°F compared to 61.4°F in Clemson. Clemson receives more rainfall at 49" per year compared to 43.7" in Sumter.