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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Columbia is 16% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,158/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 29%
$55,653/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 12%
$243,500 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 8%
$1,169/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 14%
138,019
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $6,677/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Columbia or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $6,677/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Lehigh Acres

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