Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Columbia is 14% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 14%
$55,653/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 58%
$243,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 18%
$1,169/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 14%
138,019
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $32,114/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Rochester — common questions

Is Columbia or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Rochester?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Rochester?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,114/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Minnesota?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Rochester details →

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