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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Lancaster is 55% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,696/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 32%
$76,083/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 27%
$409,100 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 40%
$1,746/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $20,430/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Columbia — common questions

Is Lancaster or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Columbia?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Columbia?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $20,430/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Columbia

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