Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Columbia and Columbia have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 8%
$55,653/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 16%
$243,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 10%
$1,169/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 5%
138,019
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $8,835/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Columbia — common questions

Is Columbia or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Columbia?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Columbia?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $8,835/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Missouri?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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