Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Columbia and Dearborn have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 9%
$55,653/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 17%
$243,500 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 15%
$1,169/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ≈ Same
138,019
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $9,539/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Columbia or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Dearborn?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Dearborn?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $9,539/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Michigan?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Dearborn details →

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