Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Denver is 84% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,770/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 35%
$91,681/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 39%
$586,700 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 58%
$1,839/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 36%
713,734
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
6.4%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $612/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,344/year.

Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Columbia — common questions

Is Denver or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Columbia?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $612/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Columbia?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Columbia details →

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