Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Tampa is 41% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,567/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 26%
$71,302/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 22%
$375,300 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 35%
$1,553/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 25%
393,389
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $15,649/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Columbia — common questions

Is Tampa or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Columbia?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Columbia?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $15,649/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and South Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Columbia details →

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