Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Columbia is 25% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,158/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 27%
$55,653/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 39%
$243,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 38%
$1,169/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 32%
138,019
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $21,762/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Manchester — common questions

Is Columbia or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Manchester?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Manchester?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $21,762/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and New Hampshire?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Manchester details →

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