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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Sacramento is 65% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,694/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 32%
$83,753/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 34%
$484,600 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 50%
$1,752/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 33%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $28,100/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Columbia — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Columbia?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Columbia?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $28,100/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Columbia

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids