Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Columbia is 60% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,158/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 25%
$55,653/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 22%
$243,500 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 62%
$1,169/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 29%
138,019
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $12,199/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Dayton — common questions

Is Columbia or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Dayton?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Dayton?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $12,199/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Ohio?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Dayton

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