Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Columbia is 4% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,158/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 8%
$55,653/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 10%
$243,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 3%
$1,169/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 10%
138,019
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $5,801/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Columbia or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Lafayette?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Lafayette?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,801/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Louisiana?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Lafayette

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