Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Alexandria is 93% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,031/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 43%
$113,638/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 51%
$696,800 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 65%
$2,173/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 46%
156,788
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $57,985/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Columbia — common questions

Is Alexandria or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Columbia?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Columbia?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $57,985/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Columbia details →