Cost of Living: Spokane, WA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Spokane is 12% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,141/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 1%
$65,745/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 15%
$326,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 25%
$1,213/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 4%
229,228
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,092/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Columbia — common questions

Is Spokane or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Columbia?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Columbia?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $10,092/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Washington and South Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Spokane or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Spokane and Columbia

Spokane vs. Enterprise Spokane vs. Santa Clarita Spokane vs. Norfolk Spokane vs. Fremont Spokane vs. Arlington Spokane vs. Richmond Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids