Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Salt Lake City is 46% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,343/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 14%
$74,925/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 26%
$495,700 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 51%
$1,394/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 16%
203,888
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $19,272/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Columbia — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Columbia?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Columbia?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $19,272/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and South Carolina?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Columbia details →

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