Florence, SC Utility & Living Guide

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Florence, SC Utility & Living Guide

Florence is a city in and the county seat of Florence County, South Carolina, United States. It lies at the intersection of Interstates 20 and 95 and is the eastern terminus of the former. It is the primary city within the Florence metropolitan area. The area forms the core of the historical Pee Dee

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Florence
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🌤️ Live Weather — Florence
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Florence
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Florence Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Florence Sanitation Services
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Florence housing market is competitive, with prices rising steadily due to increased demand. Affordable options are still available in older neighborhoods.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

South Carolina has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 0% to 7%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics
Top Local Concerns
Crime, infrastructure, education
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks in downtown areas are stroller-friendly.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Florence County Museum
  • 🎯
    Lynches River County Park
  • 🎯
    Florence Civic Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Historic District offers walkable streets and community events, while newer developments like Wood Valley provide modern amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Florence based on your household profile.

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📊 Florence — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months see higher electricity costs due to air conditioning, while winter heating costs are minimal.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by district, with Florence County adding a small surtax for education.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are decent in downtown areas, parks are accessible, but transit lacks family-friendly features.

📍 Florence City Stories

Florence, South Carolina — Florence Eshalomi: ‘I’ll never forget being homeless as a ch

Florence, South Carolina, is not London. But the story of MP Florence Eshalomi, who recalls a childhood spent...

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📰 Latest SC Stories
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