Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Philadelphia is 6% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,323/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
$60,698/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 8%
$232,400 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 5%
$1,233/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 5%
1,582,432
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $5,045/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Columbia — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Columbia?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Columbia?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $5,045/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and South Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Columbia details →

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