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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Killeen is 6% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,147/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ≈ Same
$58,339/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 5%
$196,000 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 24%
$1,176/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ≈ Same
156,144
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,686/year higher in Killeen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Columbia — common questions

Is Killeen or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Columbia?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Columbia?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $2,686/year higher in Killeen.
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 Killeen or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Columbia

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids