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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Huntington Beach is 184% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,424/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 52%
$119,885/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 54%
$1,047,300 ↑ 330%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 77%
$2,436/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 52%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,266/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $15,192/year.

Median household income is $64,232/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Columbia — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Columbia?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,266/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Columbia?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $64,232/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Columbia details →

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