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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Durham is 31% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 18%
$79,234/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 30%
$355,300 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 31%
$1,434/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $23,581/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Columbia — common questions

Is Durham or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Columbia?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Columbia?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $23,581/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Columbia details →

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