Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Columbia is 19% more expensive than Independence.

$1,158/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 8%
$55,653/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 7%
$243,500 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 32%
$1,169/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 11%
138,019
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $3,827/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Independence — common questions

Is Columbia or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Independence?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Independence?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $3,827/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Missouri?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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