Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Bellevue is 212% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,505/mo ↑ 116%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 54%
$161,300/yr ↑ 190%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 65%
$1,203,100 ↑ 394%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 80%
$2,586/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 55%
151,199
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,347/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $16,164/year.

Median household income is $105,647/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Columbia — common questions

Is Bellevue or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Columbia?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,347/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Columbia?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $105,647/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Columbia

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids