Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Columbia is 5% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,158/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 2%
$55,653/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 7%
$243,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 24%
$1,169/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 9%
138,019
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,011/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Columbia or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Waterbury?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Waterbury?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $4,011/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Connecticut?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Waterbury details →

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