Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Anderson and Sumter, South Carolina. Using South Carolina's 0.57% property tax rate and $2,600/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Sumter edges out Anderson in affordability, saving you roughly $131/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in South Carolina, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses South Carolina's 0.57% property tax rate.
Buying in Sumter saves you approximately $131/month ($1,572/year) compared to Anderson, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Sumter is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $175K versus $195K in Anderson. That's $20K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Sumter, compared to $7K in Anderson. South Carolina offers the SC Housing Palmetto Home program (Up to $8,000 forgivable) which applies in both cities.
Sumter has the better price-to-rent ratio at 16.6x versus 17.1x in Anderson. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Sumter is $880/month on a $175K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Sumter (pop. 40,524) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Anderson (pop. 28,198) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Sumter offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.