Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Mesa is 34% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,478/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 22%
$78,779/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 29%
$364,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 33%
$1,404/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 17%
507,478
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $23,126/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Columbia — common questions

Is Mesa or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Columbia?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Columbia?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $23,126/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and South Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Columbia details →

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