Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Columbia and Allentown have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 10%
$55,653/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 4%
$243,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 22%
$1,169/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
138,019
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $111/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,332/year.

Median household income is $2,250/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Allentown — common questions

Is Columbia or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Allentown?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $111/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Allentown?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,250/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Pennsylvania?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Allentown details →

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