Cost of Living in Parker, SC

With a cost of living index of 75, Parker, SC is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 25% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the South Carolina state average of 82. Parker is a smaller community of 12,564 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Parker's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,066 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $121,800 (60% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Parker is $38,607, which is 49% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 33% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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 Parker. The area sees an average annual temperature of 63.3°F, with summers averaging 80°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 47 inches spread over roughly 121 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.