South Carolina · Population 138,019 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Columbia
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Columbia is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 80 (where 100 equals the national median), Columbia residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,158/month while earning a median household income of $55,653/year.
The median home value in Columbia, SC is $243,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,169 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, Columbia falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
South Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 6.4%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Columbia.
Common questions about living costs in Columbia
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