Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Everett, WA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Columbia is 42% cheaper than Everett.

$1,158/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 45%
$55,653/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↑ 46%
$243,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 119%
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 49%
138,019
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $25,849/year higher in Everett. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Everett — common questions

Is Columbia or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Everett?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Everett?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $25,849/year higher in Everett.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Washington?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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