Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Charleston is 60% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,632/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 35%
$90,038/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 28%
$469,100 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 43%
$1,688/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
152,014
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $25,550/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Columbia — common questions

Is Charleston or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Columbia?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $25,550/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Missouri?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Columbia

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka