Charlotte, NC vs Columbia, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charlotte | Columbia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 102 | 82 | Columbia |
| Housing | 101 ($1,053) | 70 ($811) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Charlotte |
| Food & groceries | 105 ($431) | 75 ($308) | Columbia |
| Utilities | 101 ($182) | 85 ($126) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 101 ($131) | 85 ($91) | Columbia |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,970) | 96 ($46,490) | Columbia |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlotte, NC or Columbia, SC cheaper to live in?
Columbia, SC is cheaper overall by about 20 index points (Charlotte, NC: 102, Columbia, SC: 82; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC vs Columbia, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $35,700/year in Charlotte, NC and $28,700/year in Columbia, SC to cover basic living costs.