Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Columbia is 22% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,158/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 39%
$55,653/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 47%
$243,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 11%
$1,169/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 32%
138,019
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $26,145/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making South Fulton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Columbia or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and South Fulton?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or South Fulton?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $26,145/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Georgia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View South Fulton details →

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