Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Atlanta is 52% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,617/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 28%
$81,938/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 32%
$420,600 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 42%
$1,695/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 31%
499,287
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $26,285/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Columbia — common questions

Is Atlanta or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Columbia?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Columbia?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $26,285/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Columbia

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids