Clemson, SC vs Union, SC

The cost of living difference between Clemson, SC and Union, SC is dramatic. Union is 42.8% cheaper than Clemson, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clemson has a cost index of 92 while Union sits at 64, 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 Clemson is $972/month compared to $789/month in Union — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union is more affordable at $103,400 median vs $359,100.

Median household income in Clemson is $49,713 compared to $34,112 in Union (+45.7%). While Clemson is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clemson spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 27.8% in Union.

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