Columbia, SC vs North Charleston, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Columbia has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | North Charleston | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 82 | 86 | Columbia |
| Housing | 70 ($811) | 77 ($955) | Columbia |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | North Charleston |
| Food & groceries | 75 ($308) | 84 ($344) | Columbia |
| Utilities | 85 ($126) | 89 ($139) | Columbia |
| Healthcare | 85 ($91) | 89 ($100) | 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 Columbia, SC or North Charleston, SC cheaper to live in?
Columbia, SC is cheaper overall by about 4 index points (Columbia, SC: 82, North Charleston, SC: 86; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, SC vs North Charleston, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $28,700/year in Columbia, SC and $30,100/year in North Charleston, SC to cover basic living costs.