Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Minneapolis is 28% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,329/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 13%
$80,269/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 31%
$345,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 30%
$1,513/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 23%
426,845
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $24,616/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Columbia — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Columbia?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Columbia?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $24,616/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and South Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Columbia

Minneapolis vs. Oakland Minneapolis vs. Tulsa Minneapolis vs. Miami Minneapolis vs. Bakersfield Minneapolis vs. Virginia Beach Minneapolis vs. Wichita Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids