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

Peoria

Arizona
125
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Peoria is 56% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,743/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 34%
$93,403/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 40%
$429,400 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 43%
$1,589/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 26%
194,338
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

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Peoria, AZ and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 125 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $37,750/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Peoria is $429,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria vs Columbia — common questions

Is Peoria or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 125 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Peoria and Columbia?
Median rent in Peoria is $1,743/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Peoria or Columbia?
Median household income is $93,403 in Peoria and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $37,750/year higher in Peoria.
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 Peoria or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria has a cost index of 125 with median rent of $1,743/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 Peoria details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Peoria and Columbia

Peoria vs. Huntington Beach Peoria vs. Knoxville Peoria vs. Overland Park Peoria vs. Vancouver Peoria vs. Sioux Falls Peoria vs. Glendale Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids