Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Columbia is 39% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,158/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 48%
$55,653/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 77%
$243,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 99%
$1,169/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 37%
138,019
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $43,033/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Meridian — common questions

Is Columbia or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Meridian?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Meridian?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $43,033/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Idaho?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Meridian

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord