Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Columbia is 20% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 13%
$55,653/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 15%
$243,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 44%
$1,169/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 17%
138,019
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $8,247/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Columbia or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Wilmington?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Wilmington?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $8,247/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and North Carolina?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Wilmington details →

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