Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Rancho Cucamonga is 127% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,286/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 49%
$109,511/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 49%
$694,400 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 65%
$2,324/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 50%
174,693
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,128/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $13,536/year.

Median household income is $53,858/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Columbia — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Columbia?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,128/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Columbia?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $53,858/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Rancho Cucamonga or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Columbia

Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids