Cost of Living in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Spartanburg County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Spartanburg County ranks #2,524 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Spartanburg County, South Carolina
Spartanburg rents affordable against national baseline
Spartanburg County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, with renters paying $1,019 monthly against a median household income of $64,195. The county offers solid affordability for a mid-sized metro area competing with national rental markets.
Spartanburg ranks well within South Carolina
At 19.1%, Spartanburg's rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's state average of 20.1%, positioning it as one of the more affordable counties statewide. Its median rent of $1,019 runs only $74 above the state average, a modest premium for a larger, more developed county.
Pricier than Saluda, but stronger income
Spartanburg's $1,019 median rent outpaces Saluda County's $814, yet Spartanburg households earn notably more at $64,195 versus $52,957. The county's median home value of $216,000 reflects its position as a regional economic hub relative to smaller rural neighbors.
Spartanburg balances rent and ownership costs
Renters here spend $1,019 monthly while homeowners pay $934, both drawing from a median household income of $64,195. Housing consumes roughly 19% of household income—a reasonable share that leaves room for other expenses.
Spartanburg: affordability meets economic opportunity
Relocating to Spartanburg gives you better-than-average state affordability paired with stronger income potential than rural SC counties. Compare its $1,019 rent and $216,000 median home price against higher-cost Upstate metros to appreciate the value proposition.
Cost of Living Advisory: Spartanburg County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Spartanburg County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,019/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Spartanburg County is $1,019/month, while owner costs run $934/month. Owning saves approximately $85/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,029/year. With a median household income of $64,195, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Spartanburg County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Spartanburg County sits 7% more expensive than Anderson County ($952/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Spartanburg County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,498
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
The median home in Spartanburg County may be a stretch
Median home value is $216,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,724 vs. your max of $1,498.
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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