Cost of Living: Bridgeport, CT vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Bridgeport is 18% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,405/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 18%
$56,584/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 2%
$252,400 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 4%
$1,475/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 21%
148,012
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bridgeport, CT and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 94 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $931/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bridgeport is $252,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bridgeport vs Columbia — common questions

Is Bridgeport or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bridgeport and Columbia?
Median rent in Bridgeport is $1,405/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Bridgeport or Columbia?
Median household income is $56,584 in Bridgeport and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $931/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and South Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Bridgeport or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with median rent of $1,405/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 Bridgeport details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bridgeport and Columbia

Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids