South Carolina • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Central, South Carolina

Overall cost of living: -9% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Central.

Housing
-27% vs avg
Utilities
-11% vs avg
Groceries
-1% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-27% vs avg
Median Home Price
$390,981
Median Rent
$1,173 / month
Energy Bill
$195.04 / month
Phone Bill
$173.99 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$2.97 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-1% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.05
Gallon of Milk
$4.69
Carton of Eggs
$4.63
Bunch of Bananas
$0.76
Hamburger
$5.72
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$166.29
Dentist Visit
$133.58
Optometrist Visit
$151.46
Rx Drug
$24.07
Veterinary Visit
$70.53

Central in the Context of South Carolina

State Avg Cost Index100.0
State Avg Rent$1,196/mo
State Income Tax6.4%
Cities in State93

Other Cities in South Carolina

About Living in Central, South Carolina

Central is located in South Carolina and has an overall cost of living that is -9% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Central.

Housing: Median rent in Central is $1,173 / month, and the median home price is $390,981. Housing costs are -27% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.05), milk ($4.69), and eggs ($4.63) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -1% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($166.29), dentist visits ($133.58), and prescription drugs ($24.07). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

South Carolina has a state income tax rate of 6.4%, which affects take-home pay for Central residents.

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Central, South Carolina Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Central.

Central, South Carolina has an overall cost of living that is -9% the national average. Housing costs are -27% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -1% vs average. Utilities are -11% vs average. This makes Central a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Central, South Carolina is $1,173 / month. Average energy bills run $195.04 / month. Phone bills average $173.99 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Central: doctor's visit averages $166.29, dentist visit averages $133.58, prescription drugs average $24.07. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -1% grocery cost difference.
Central is one of 93 cities tracked in South Carolina. With an overall cost -9% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our South Carolina state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Central offers cost of living -9% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $390,981, rent of $1,173 / month, and a state income tax of 6.4% in South Carolina. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Central fits your budget.