Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Columbus is 4% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,224/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 5%
$65,327/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 15%
$234,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 4%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 6%
906,480
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $9,674/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Columbia — common questions

Is Columbus or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Columbia?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Columbia?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $9,674/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and South Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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