Charleston, SC vs Columbia, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charleston | Columbia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 122 | 82 | Columbia |
| Housing | 135 ($1,142) | 70 ($811) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Charleston |
| Food & groceries | 121 ($496) | 75 ($308) | Columbia |
| Utilities | 118 ($243) | 85 ($126) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 118 ($176) | 85 ($91) | Columbia |
| Median annual wage | 96 ($46,490) | 96 ($46,490) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston, SC or Columbia, SC cheaper to live in?
Columbia, SC is cheaper overall by about 40 index points (Charleston, SC: 122, Columbia, SC: 82; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charleston, SC vs Columbia, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $42,700/year in Charleston, SC and $28,700/year in Columbia, SC to cover basic living costs.