Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Chandler is 68% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,806/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 36%
$103,691/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 46%
$469,800 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 48%
$1,743/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
278,123
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $48,038/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Columbia — common questions

Is Chandler or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Columbia?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Columbia?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $48,038/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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