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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Salem is 31% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,323/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
$71,900/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 23%
$382,400 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 36%
$1,440/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 19%
176,666
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $16,247/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Columbia — common questions

Is Salem or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Columbia?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Columbia?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $16,247/year higher in Salem.
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 Salem or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 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 Salem details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Columbia

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