Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Columbia is 31% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,158/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 45%
$55,653/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 78%
$243,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 45%
$1,169/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 44%
138,019
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $43,462/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Columbia or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Carrollton?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Carrollton?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $43,462/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Carrollton

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