Best Cities for Electricians in South Carolina
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $61,000 salary
South Carolina has 8 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For electricians earning around $61,000 annually, Sumter stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 53.9 and $38,075 left after taxes and rent. 7 cities in South Carolina sit below the national average cost of living, giving electricians more purchasing power per dollar earned. Charleston-North Charleston is the priciest metro at 123.4 on the index, 69 points above Sumter.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sumter | 53.9 | $1,276 |
| 2 | Florence | 57.2 | $1,117 |
| 3 | Spartanburg | 67.6 | $1,187 |
| 4 | Greenville-Mauldin-Easley | 76.9 | $1,339 |
| 5 | Anderson | 76.9 | $1,173 |
| 6 | Columbia | 78.4 | $1,276 |
| 7 | Myrtle Beach-North Myrtle Beach-Conway | 84.2 | $1,465 |
| 8 | Charleston-North Charleston | 123.4 | $1,787 |
Net income = $61,000 salary − federal & South Carolina state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $61,000 salary for electricians who install and maintain electrical systems, after applying 2026 federal and South Carolina state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in South Carolina for electricians?
Sumter is the most affordable city in South Carolina for electricians, with a cost-of-living index of 53.9 (national average = 100). On a $61,000 salary, you'd have approximately $38,075 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do electricians earn in South Carolina?
Electricians in South Carolina earn around $61,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $15,936 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across South Carolina cities?
Across 8 metro areas in South Carolina, the average cost-of-living index is 77 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Sumter at 53.9, while Charleston-North Charleston is the most expensive at 123.4—a difference of 69 index points.
Other Rankings in South Carolina
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