Cost of Living in Clemson, SC

With a cost of living index of 92, Clemson, SC is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 9% cheaper than the national average and 10% above the South Carolina state average of 82. Clemson is a smaller community of 17,759 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Clemson's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $972 (26% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $359,100 (18% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 7.2x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Clemson is $49,713, which is 34% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Clemson. The area sees an average annual temperature of 61.4°F, with summers averaging 78°F and winters around 45°F. Annual rainfall totals 49 inches spread over roughly 127 days.

Everyday prices in the Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.