Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Cary is 69% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,621/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 29%
$129,399/yr ↑ 133%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 57%
$525,200 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 54%
$1,744/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
176,686
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $73,746/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Columbia — common questions

Is Cary or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Columbia?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Columbia?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $73,746/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Columbia details →

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