Columbia, SC cost of living
SC · BLS RPP 91.6
Estimated — not yet source-verified.Estimated — not yet source-verified against official BLS/HUD figures. This page is not indexed. Treat the RPP and FMR values as rough proxies and verify with the BLS or HUD datasets directly before relying on them.
Overall RPP
91.6
US = 100
Housing RPP
83.8
Housing component
Goods RPP
97.2
Goods component
2-BR Rent (HUD)
$1,120/mo
FY2024 FMR
What salary do you need in Columbia, SC?
Equivalent salary to maintain the same purchasing power as in a US-average city (RPP 100).
| In US-average city | You need in Columbia, SC | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $45,800 | $50,000 x (91.6/100) |
| $75,000 | $68,700 | $75,000 x (91.6/100) |
| $100,000 | $91,600 | $100,000 x (91.6/100) |
| $125,000 | $114,500 | $125,000 x (91.6/100) |
| $150,000 | $137,400 | $150,000 x (91.6/100) |
| $200,000 | $183,200 | $200,000 x (91.6/100) |
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
State income tax note
South Carolina income tax up to 6.5%.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC?
- Columbia, SC has a BLS Regional Price Parity of 91.6 (US average = 100). It is 8.4% less expensive than the national average.
- What salary do I need to live in Columbia, SC?
- If you earn $100,000 in a US-average city (RPP 100), you would need approximately $91,600 in Columbia, SC to maintain the same purchasing power.
- What is the average rent in Columbia, SC?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia, SC is approximately $1,120 per month as of FY2024.
Compare with other cities
Buying a home in Columbia, SC? See closing costs at TallyClose.