Cost of Living: Denton, TX vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Denton is 25% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,344/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 14%
$73,719/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 25%
$325,700 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 25%
$1,461/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 20%
146,987
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $18,066/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Columbia — common questions

Is Denton or Columbia 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 Denton and Columbia?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Columbia?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $18,066/year higher in Denton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Denton or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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.
View Denton details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Columbia

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids