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

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Columbia and Tyler have a similar cost of living.

$1,158/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 4%
$55,653/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 18%
$243,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 11%
$1,169/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ≈ Same
138,019
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,874/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Tyler — common questions

Is Columbia or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Tyler?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Tyler?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $9,874/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Tyler

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York