Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Orlando is 44% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,650/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 30%
$69,268/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 20%
$359,000 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 32%
$1,621/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 28%
311,732
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $13,615/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Columbia — common questions

Is Orlando or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Columbia?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Columbia?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $13,615/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orlando and Columbia

Orlando vs. Riverside Orlando vs. Santa Ana Orlando vs. Corpus Christi Orlando vs. Cincinnati Orlando vs. Stockton Orlando vs. Irvine Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids