SC has 2 of the best, cheapest cities in the US to live in 2023, US News and World Report says
If you’re looking for affordable places to live in the U.S., South Carolina has two cities among the best, according to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking.
The recent annual ranking includes 25 of the best most affordable metros in the U.S. To determine the ranking, U.S. News “looked at the proportion of the median annual household income that goes toward the average cost to own or rent a home, including the cost of utilities and taxes, as well as parity, which compares the cost of goods and services across the country.”
The city of Hickory, N.C. snagged the top spot on the list, while Montgomery, AL came in at 25th, rounding out the list.
And while living in some South Carolina cities, like Charleston, can be quite an expensive proposition, other cities in the Palmetto State are far more doable, the analysis found.
So, which two South Carolina cities are the best and most affordable and where do they rank? Check them out below. For the full ranking, click here.
Spartanburg
- Metro population: 322,864
- Average annual salary: $47,400
- Income spent on living expenses: 21.67%
The city of Spartanburg ranked 11th on the list. Residents of the Upstate city spend just 21.67% of the area’s median annual income on housing, U.S. News states.
With a deep historical background that predates the Revolutionary War, Spartanburg is home to the first full-time North American BMW plant and is headquarters of the Denny’s restaurant chain with a burgeoning food scene and plenty of events to enjoy during the year.
Also, as one of the less densely populated spots in South Carolina, Spartanburg’s property taxes remain lower than the state’s coastal areas, including Charleston, helping reduce the cost of living, U.S. News adds.
Greenville
- Metro population: 918,166
- Average annual salary: $48,350
- Income spent on living expenses: 21.31%
The city of Greenville was just behind Spartanburg at 12th in the ranking.
Greenville residents enjoy a relatively low cost of living at 21.31% of the median household income on housing, U.S. News states.
The city has earned many national accolades in recent years as it has grown to a vibrant metropolis. Its reinvigorated downtown has become a focal point of the region, attracting new business and a growing culinary scene.
Also, when it comes to the cost of goods and services compared to other metro areas, Greenville ranks 26th out of the 150 best places to live in the U.S., according to U.S. News.
