El Paso, TX vs Columbia, SC: 67 vs 80

$1,041/mo ↓ 10%

Median Rent

$1,158/mo ↑ 11%

$58,734/yr ↑ 6%

Median Income

$55,653/yr ↓ 5%

$171,700 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$243,500 ↑ 42%

$1,044/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,169/mo ↑ 12%

678,147

Population

138,019

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $3,081/year higher in El Paso. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Columbia — common questions

Is El Paso or Columbia cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Columbia?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $117/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Columbia?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,081/year higher in El Paso.

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 El Paso or Columbia?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Columbia

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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