Cost of Living in Columbia, SC
Population 138,019 · South Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Columbia cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $244,000, rents near $1,158 a month. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbia
The median home value in Columbia is $243,500 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,158/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,653/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. South Carolina's top state income tax rate is 6.4% and the combined sales tax is 7.5%. The climate averages highs of 76.0°F and lows of 54.9°F. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 90 | 93 | 91 | 86 | 77 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 37 | 40 | 46 | 53 | 62 | 70 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 44 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 3.27 | 3.48 | 2.70 | 2.95 | 4.77 | 4.80 | 4.65 | 4.33 | 3.07 | 2.78 | 3.47 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC?
Columbia has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbia, SC?
The median gross rent in Columbia is $1,158 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbia?
The median home value in Columbia is $243,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia is $55,653 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbia, SC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 7.5%. The South Carolina state income tax top rate is 6.4%.
Is Columbia, SC affordable?
Yes, Columbia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Columbia?
Columbia has average high temperatures of 76.0°F and average lows of 54.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Columbia at a Glance
- Population
- 138,019
- Median Income
- $55,653
- Home Value
- $243,500
- Median Rent
- $1,158/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
South Carolina Rankings
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