Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Columbus is 46% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,072/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 52%
$56,622/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 59%
$182,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 157%
$1,064/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 59%
204,383
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $33,416/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Charleston — common questions

Is Columbus or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Charleston?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Charleston?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $33,416/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and South Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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