Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Pompano Beach, FL (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Pompano Beach

Florida
109

Columbia is 27% cheaper than Pompano Beach.

$1,158/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,636/mo ↑ 41%
$55,653/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,832/yr ↑ 15%
$243,500 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$321,900 ↑ 32%
$1,169/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,527/mo ↑ 31%
138,019
Population
112,212

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
30.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Pompano Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $8,179/year higher in Pompano Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $321,900 in Pompano Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Pompano Beach — common questions

Is Columbia or Pompano Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Pompano Beach?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Pompano Beach it's $1,636/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $63,832 in Pompano Beach. Median household income is $8,179/year higher in Pompano Beach.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Pompano Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Pompano Beach has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,636/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Pompano Beach details →

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