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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Columbia is 31% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,158/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 18%
$55,653/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 18%
$243,500 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 36%
$1,169/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 17%
138,019
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $9,884/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Springfield — common questions

Is Columbia or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Springfield?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,884/year higher in Springfield.
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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Springfield

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces