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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

San Francisco is 234% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,419/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 52%
$141,446/yr ↑ 154%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 61%
$1,380,500 ↑ 467%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 82%
$2,620/mo ↑ 124%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 55%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,261/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $15,132/year.

Median household income is $85,793/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Columbia — common questions

Is San Francisco or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Columbia?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $1,261/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Columbia?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $85,793/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Columbia details →

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