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Union, United States

Data updated Jul 1, 2026

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📊 Scores

69
FIRE
57
Retiree
66
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 67)

With a population of just 8,174, Union is a sleepy, slow-paced town that will appeal to those seeking a quiet, inexpensive slice of the Carolinas. However, the city's median household income of $26,110 and poverty rate of 20.8% are stark reminders that economic opportunities are limited. And while the climate is warm, the occasional extreme temperature swing - from 110°F to -11°F - can be a persistent headache.

Overall, Union is a place for those content with a simple, affordable life in the rural South, but it offers little in the way of career prospects or cultural vibrancy.

🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1353/mo
Selected: mid-range lifestyle
This mid-range budget allows for a comfortable lifestyle in Union. Housing is a one-bedroom apartment outside the centre ($720/mo), with home cooking ($176/mo on groceries) and dining out a few times a week ($112/mo). A gym membership is included ($60/mo). Utilities and connectivity round out to $285/mo.

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L)$1.12
Bread (loaf)$2.48
Eggs (12)$3

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive)$9
Meal (Mid-range)$80
Cappuccino$5.33
Water (0.33L)$1.89
Restaurant Density0 /km²

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo)$188
Mobile Plan (mo)$51.66
Gym (mo)$60
Cinema Ticket$12

Housing

1BR Center (mo)$850
1BR Outside (mo)$720
3BR Center (mo)$1350
3BR Outside (mo)$1100

💰 Real Spend Reports

🛡️ Safety & Crime

55
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

45
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Union is a quiet, small South Carolina town where daily life feels safe and predictable. Walking during daylight is unremarkable; most residents know each other. Nighttime walkability is limited not by danger but by the rural character—few people are out after dark, and street lighting is sparse. For an American accustomed to small-town life, the safety perception matches reality: this is genuinely a low-crime area with minimal street crime or organized activity.

Property crime (theft from vehicles, burglary) poses the main risk in rural areas like Union, particularly in isolated properties. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft and scams are uncommon. Solo female travelers face no elevated risk beyond standard rural precautions. The primary concern is opportunistic crime targeting unattended belongings or unsecured homes—typical of rural America rather than a specific Union problem.

Union presents no geopolitical risks or political instability. Local law enforcement is responsive and reliable. The town's main challenges are economic stagnation and limited services rather than safety concerns. For an American considering relocation, Union is genuinely safe—suitable for retirees or remote workers seeking a stable, affordable small-town environment. The trade-off is isolation and limited amenities, not security.

🏥 Healthcare

Fair
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
No
English-Speaking Doctors
Widely Available

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
28°C
Winter Temp
6°C
Humidity
65%
Air Quality
52Above WHO guideline of 15 μg/m³

Best Months

AprMayOctNov

Climate Notes

Union experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers (June-August) and mild winters, offering four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall year-round.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
100 Mbps
Coworking Availability
None
Digital Nomad Score
66/100

Community Notes

Union is a small town with limited amenities for nomads.
NamePrice/moNotes
Regus - Union$200Located in the Union West Plaza, this Regus location offers a professional environment with private offices and coworking spaces. It's a reliable option for expats seeking a standard office experience with amenities like meeting rooms and business support services.
The City Hub$150Located in downtown Union, The City Hub offers a community-focused coworking environment. It's a good option for those seeking a more local and collaborative atmosphere, with flexible workspace options and networking opportunities.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
large

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