Sumter, SC

Very Low · 68

South Carolina · Population 43,065 · Updated March 2026

$1,055
Median Rent / Month
$53,071
Median Income
$188,400
Median Home Value
$987
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Sumter

23.9%
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

$12,660
Annual Rent
$3,397
State Income Tax
$1,074
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Sumter is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 68 (where 100 equals the national median), Sumter residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,055/month while earning a median household income of $53,071/year.

The median home value in Sumter, SC is $188,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $987 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% 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 Sumter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Sumter

What is the cost of living in Sumter, SC?
The cost of living index in Sumter, SC is 68 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,055, median household income is $53,071/year, and the median home value is $188,400.
Is Sumter, SC affordable?
Yes, Sumter is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 68. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Sumter, SC?
The median gross rent in Sumter, SC is $1,055 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,660.
What is the median household income in Sumter?
The median household income in Sumter, SC is $53,071 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%.