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

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Columbia is 12% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,067/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 28%
$64,488/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 3%
$268,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$267,700 ≈ Same
$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 18%
127,200
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $1,699/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Columbia or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and North Charleston?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or North Charleston?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $1,699/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and South Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and North Charleston

Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands