Darlington, SC vs Pacolet, SC

Darlington, SC and Pacolet, SC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Darlington scores 69 while Pacolet scores 65 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Darlington is $801/month compared to $857/month in Pacolet — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Darlington has cheaper rent, Pacolet actually has lower median home values ($94,100 vs $163,000).

Median household income in Darlington is $31,240 compared to $46,120 in Pacolet (-32.3%). Pacolet offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Darlington spend roughly 30.8% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Pacolet. The Pacolet ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Darlington is notably warmer with an average of 64.7°F compared to 61.3°F in Pacolet. Pacolet receives more rainfall at 49.7" per year compared to 45.3" in Darlington.