Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Columbia is 31% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,158/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 18%
$55,653/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 6%
$243,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 39%
$1,169/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 14%
138,019
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $3,063/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Peoria — common questions

Is Columbia or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Peoria?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Peoria?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $3,063/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Peoria

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo