Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Billings, MT (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Columbia is 7% cheaper than Billings.

$1,158/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 5%
$55,653/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 29%
$243,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 28%
$1,169/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ≈ Same
138,019
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $16,202/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Billings — common questions

Is Columbia or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Billings?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Billings?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,202/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Montana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Billings

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston