Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Columbia is 8% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,158/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 16%
$55,653/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 22%
$243,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 4%
$1,169/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 15%
138,019
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $12,105/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Hampton — common questions

Is Columbia or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Hampton?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Hampton?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $12,105/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Virginia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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