Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs High Point, NC (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Columbia is 10% more expensive than High Point.

$1,158/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 8%
$55,653/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 10%
$243,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 13%
$1,169/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 7%
138,019
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $5,575/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs High Point — common questions

Is Columbia or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and High Point?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or High Point?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $5,575/year higher in High Point.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Carolina?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View High Point details →

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