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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Fort Collins is 71% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,661/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 30%
$83,598/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 33%
$548,400 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 56%
$1,692/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 31%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $27,945/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Columbia?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Columbia?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $27,945/year higher in Fort Collins.
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 Fort Collins or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Columbia

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids