Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Columbia is 24% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,158/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 33%
$55,653/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 16%
$243,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 34%
$1,169/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 21%
138,019
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $8,787/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Columbia or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Clearwater?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Clearwater?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,787/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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