Aiken, SC

Below Avg · 81

South Carolina · Population 32,334 · Updated March 2026

$1,199
Median Rent / Month
$69,837
Median Income
$261,800
Median Home Value
$1,003
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Aiken

20.6%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in South Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

6.4%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.57%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,388
Annual Rent
$4,470
State Income Tax
$1,492
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Aiken is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 81 (where 100 equals the national median), Aiken residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,199/month while earning a median household income of $69,837/year.

The median home value in Aiken, SC is $261,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,003 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Aiken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Aiken

What is the cost of living in Aiken, SC?
The cost of living index in Aiken, SC is 81 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,199, median household income is $69,837/year, and the median home value is $261,800.
Is Aiken, SC affordable?
Yes, Aiken is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 81. The rent-to-income ratio is 20.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Aiken, SC?
The median gross rent in Aiken, SC is $1,199 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,388.
What is the median household income in Aiken?
The median household income in Aiken, SC is $69,837 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a top income tax rate of 6.4%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.57%.