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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Columbia is 12% cheaper than College Station.

$1,158/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ≈ Same
$55,653/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 7%
$243,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 34%
$1,169/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 7%
138,019
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,877/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs College Station — common questions

Is Columbia or College Station 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 College Station?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or College Station?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $3,877/year higher in Columbia.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and College Station

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette