Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Fresno is 26% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,324/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 13%
$66,804/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 17%
$348,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 30%
$1,391/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 16%
543,615
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $11,151/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fresno or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Columbia?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Columbia?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $11,151/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Columbia details →

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