Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Columbia and Hartford have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 5%
$55,653/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 19%
$243,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 11%
$1,169/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 9%
138,019
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $10,353/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Hartford — common questions

Is Columbia or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Hartford?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Hartford?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $10,353/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Hartford

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Hartford vs. Fairfield Hartford vs. West Palm Beach Hartford vs. Berkeley Hartford vs. Spring Hill Hartford vs. Ann Arbor Hartford vs. Wilmington