Cost of Living in Saluda County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Saluda County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Saluda County ranks #1,595 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Saluda County, South Carolina
Saluda rents rank below national burden
At 18.4%, Saluda County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national standard, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's median gross rent of $814 per month is notably affordable compared to the national median household income of $74,755.
Among SC's most affordable counties
Saluda County ranks favorably within South Carolina, where the state average rent-to-income ratio is 20.1%—and Saluda beats that mark at 18.4%. Its median rent of $814 runs $131 below the statewide average of $945, signaling genuine affordability in a state context.
Saluda stands out in the upstate cluster
Compared to nearby Spartanburg County ($1,019 median rent) and Sumter County ($1,006 median rent), Saluda offers noticeably cheaper rental options at $814 per month. The county's median home value of $123,200 also trails Spartanburg's $216,000, making it a budget-friendly option in the region.
Housing costs fit comfortably in Saluda budgets
Saluda renters pay $814 monthly while homeowners spend $561 on mortgage costs, all supported by a median household income of $52,957. Together, housing expenses consume roughly 22% of household income for renters—tight but manageable compared to national norms.
Saluda offers rare affordability in SC
If you're relocating to South Carolina on a modest budget, Saluda County delivers some of the state's lowest rents and home values. Compare its $814 monthly rent and $123,200 median home price against neighboring counties to see why affordability-conscious movers are taking notice.
Cost of Living Advisory: Saluda County
Affordability Verdict
Saluda County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $814/month representing approximately 18.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $814/month rent versus $561/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $253/month cheaper — a 31% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,043/year. With a median household income of $52,957, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Saluda County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Saluda County sits 7% less expensive than Kershaw County ($872/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Saluda County
Rent Burden
18.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,236
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Saluda County
Median home value is $123,200. Estimated monthly cost: $984 vs. your max of $1,236.
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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