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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Modesto is 50% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,609/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 28%
$77,899/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 29%
$415,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 41%
$1,613/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 28%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $22,246/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Columbia — common questions

Is Modesto or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Columbia?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Columbia?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $22,246/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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