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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Ontario is 90% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,916/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 40%
$82,806/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 33%
$568,000 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 57%
$1,967/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 41%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $758/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $9,096/year.

Median household income is $27,153/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Columbia — common questions

Is Ontario or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Columbia?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $758/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Columbia?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $27,153/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Columbia

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids