Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Worcester is 30% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,415/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 18%
$67,544/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 18%
$339,500 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 28%
$1,521/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 23%
205,501
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $11,891/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Columbia — common questions

Is Worcester or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Columbia?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Columbia?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $11,891/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and South Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Columbia

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids