Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Madison is 29% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,364/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 15%
$76,983/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 28%
$346,900 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 30%
$1,476/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 21%
275,568
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $21,330/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Columbia — common questions

Is Madison or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Columbia?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Columbia?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $21,330/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and South Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Columbia details →

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