Cost of Living in Orangeburg, SC

With a cost of living index of 68, Orangeburg, SC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 14% below the South Carolina state average of 82. Orangeburg is a smaller community of 13,189 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Orangeburg's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $765 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $145,000 (52% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Orangeburg is $33,066, which is 56% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. 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 Orangeburg. The area sees an average annual temperature of 65°F, with summers averaging 81°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 43.7 inches spread over roughly 121 days.

Everyday prices in the Columbia, 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.