Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Columbia is 33% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,158/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 48%
$55,653/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 24%
$243,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 52%
$1,169/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 43%
138,019
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $551/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,612/year.

Median household income is $13,608/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Columbia or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $551/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $13,608/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Florida?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and West Palm Beach

Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings