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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Columbia is 34% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,158/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 48%
$55,653/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 75%
$243,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 58%
$1,169/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 52%
138,019
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $41,534/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Columbia or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Round Rock?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Round Rock?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $41,534/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Round Rock details →

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