Median rent is 9% lower in Anderson ($965/mo vs $1,062/mo). Buying is cheaper in Anderson, where the median home runs $199,600 versus $212,400. Households earn more in High Point ($61,228 vs $44,321 a year). Taken together, High Point is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.8 against 93.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in High Point, NC.
City A
Anderson, SC
City B
High Point, NC
How much would you need to earn in High Point, NC to maintain your standard of living from Anderson, SC?
Equivalent salary in High Point, NC
$74,975
You could earn $25 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Anderson
South Carolina
High Point
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Anderson at $965/mo compared to $1,062/mo in High Point (9% gap). Median home values are within 6% of each other: $199,600 in Anderson and $212,400 in High Point.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so High Point is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in South Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; High Point has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anderson
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
High Point
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick High Point if you prioritize higher median household income ($61,228/yr).
Pick High Point if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Anderson cheaper than High Point?
High Point is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.8 versus 93.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in High Point.
How much is rent in Anderson vs High Point?
Median rent is $965/mo in Anderson, SC and $1,062/mo in High Point, NC. Anderson, SC has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Anderson or High Point?
Median household income is $44,321 in Anderson, SC and $61,228 in High Point, NC. High Point, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Anderson or High Point?
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. High Point, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in High Point to match my Anderson income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anderson, SC is equivalent to roughly $99,967 in High Point, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology