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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Columbia is 34% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,158/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 52%
$55,653/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 102%
$243,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 36%
$1,169/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 68%
138,019
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $56,817/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Pearland — common questions

Is Columbia or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Pearland?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Pearland?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $56,817/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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