Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Plano is 65% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,792/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 35%
$108,649/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 49%
$440,600 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 45%
$1,829/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 36%
287,339
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $52,996/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Columbia — common questions

Is Plano or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Columbia?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Columbia?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $52,996/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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