Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Columbia and Lakeland have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 12%
$55,653/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 10%
$243,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 6%
$1,169/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 2%
138,019
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $5,294/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Columbia or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Lakeland?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Lakeland?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,294/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Lakeland

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon