Cost of Living in Santee, SC

With a cost of living index of 68, Santee, 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. Santee is a small community of 1,179 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Santee's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $733 (44% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $163,800 (46% 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 Santee is $36,856, which is 51% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Santee. 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.

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.