Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Portland is 72% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,596/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 27%
$88,792/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 37%
$557,600 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 56%
$1,771/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 34%
642,715
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $438/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,256/year.

Median household income is $33,139/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Columbia — common questions

Is Portland or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Columbia?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $438/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Columbia?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $33,139/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and South Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Columbia details →

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