Clemson, SC

Below Avg · 85

South Carolina · Population 17,759 · Updated March 2026

$972
Median Rent / Month
$49,713
Median Income
$359,100
Median Home Value
$998
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Clemson

23.5%
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

$11,664
Annual Rent
$3,182
State Income Tax
$2,047
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Clemson offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 85 (where 100 equals the national median), Clemson residents can expect to pay median rent of $972/month while earning a median household income of $49,713/year.

The median home value in Clemson, SC is $359,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $998 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% 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 Clemson.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Clemson

What is the cost of living in Clemson, SC?
The cost of living index in Clemson, SC is 85 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $972, median household income is $49,713/year, and the median home value is $359,100.
Is Clemson, SC affordable?
Yes, Clemson is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 85. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Clemson, SC?
The median gross rent in Clemson, SC is $972 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,664.
What is the median household income in Clemson?
The median household income in Clemson, SC is $49,713 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%.