Cost of Living in St. Andrews, SC

With a cost of living index of 77, St. Andrews, SC is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 23% cheaper than the national average and 5% below the South Carolina state average of 82. St. Andrews is a smaller community of 20,953 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in St. Andrews's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,060 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $146,700 (52% 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 St. Andrews is $45,321, which is 40% 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 St. Andrews. The area sees an average annual temperature of 64.3°F, with summers averaging 81°F and winters around 48°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.2 inches spread over roughly 109 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

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.