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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Los Angeles is 134% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,879/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 38%
$80,366/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 31%
$879,500 ↑ 261%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 72%
$2,055/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 43%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $24,713/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Columbia — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Columbia?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Columbia?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $24,713/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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