Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Columbia is 4% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 14%
$55,653/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 31%
$243,500 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 15%
$1,169/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 7%
138,019
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $17,377/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Odessa — common questions

Is Columbia or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Odessa?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Odessa?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $17,377/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Texas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Odessa

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