Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Anaheim is 102% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,082/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 44%
$90,583/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 39%
$771,700 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 68%
$2,165/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 46%
344,553
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $924/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $11,088/year.

Median household income is $34,930/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Columbia — common questions

Is Anaheim or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Columbia?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $924/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $34,930/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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 Anaheim details → View Columbia details →