Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Columbia, SC 2026

$1,049/mo ↓ 9%

Median Rent

$1,158/mo ↑ 10%

$62,469/yr ↑ 12%

Median Income

$55,653/yr ↓ 11%

$186,800 ↓ 23%

Home Value

$243,500 ↑ 30%

$1,074/mo ↓ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,169/mo ↑ 9%

200,945

Population

138,019

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $6,816/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Columbia — common questions

Is Amarillo or Columbia cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Columbia?

Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $109/month.

Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Columbia?

Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $6,816/year higher in Amarillo.

How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to Amarillo or Columbia?

It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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.

Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Amarillo

Columbia

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions