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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Arlington is 154% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,275/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 49%
$140,160/yr ↑ 152%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 60%
$864,800 ↑ 255%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 72%
$2,414/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 52%
235,463
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,117/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $13,404/year.

Median household income is $84,507/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Columbia — common questions

Is Arlington or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Columbia?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,117/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Columbia?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $84,507/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Columbia details →

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