Cost of Living in Abbeville County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Abbeville County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Abbeville County ranks #1,508 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Abbeville County, South Carolina
Abbeville's affordability beats the nation
Abbeville County residents spend just 14.6% of their income on rent, well below the national average of roughly 30%. This makes Abbeville one of South Carolina's most affordable rental markets, where housing costs take up a smaller slice of household budgets than in most American counties.
A bargain among South Carolina counties
Abbeville ranks among the state's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% compared to South Carolina's average of 20.1%. At just $634 a month, median rent here runs $311 below the state average, offering renters genuine financial relief.
Cheaper than nearby Anderson and Aiken
Abbeville's median rent of $634 undercuts neighboring Anderson County by $318 a month and Aiken County by $397 a month. While Anderson and Aiken offer higher median incomes, Abbeville's lower housing costs give renters more breathing room in their budgets.
Housing takes modest bite from paychecks
With a median household income of $52,112, Abbeville renters allocate 14.6% of earnings to rent, while homeowners spend about 13.7% on mortgage costs. Both figures fall below state averages, leaving residents more discretionary income than most South Carolina neighbors.
Considering Abbeville? The numbers work.
If you're relocating and prioritizing affordability, Abbeville delivers: low rent, modest home prices averaging $147,200, and housing costs that don't dominate your budget. Compare these figures to pricier coastal counties like Beaufort to see where your paycheck stretches furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Abbeville County
Affordability Verdict
Abbeville County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $634/month representing approximately 14.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Abbeville County pay $634/month on average, compared to $596/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $25,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,543/year. With a median household income of $52,112, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Abbeville County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Abbeville County is less affordable than Marlboro County by roughly 8% ($634/mo vs $686/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Abbeville County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,216
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Abbeville County
Median home value is $147,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,175 vs. your max of $1,216.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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