What is the cost of living in Columbia?

The cost of living in Columbia is 54.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 45.1). Groceries are 27.5% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 29.5% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,255 per month. Local purchasing power index is 131.0 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 SC, United States · #210 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Columbia?

Q: Should I move to Columbia?

Columbia, SC, United States has a cost of living 54.9% cheaper than New York City (index: 45.1). It is ranked #210 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 131.0 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

54.9% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-54.9%

vs NYC

USD 1,255

1-BR, city centre

131.0

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Columbia?

Cost breakdown: Columbia

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

45.1 Mid-priced

Rent

27.7 Very affordable

Groceries

72.5 Moderate

Restaurants

70.5 Moderate

Purchasing Power

131.0 Very strong

Rent in Columbia

1-BR, city centre USD 1,255/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 853/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,146/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,772/mo

Save by going outside centre 32% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Greenville

SC, United States

CoL index 57.9

Compare Greenville vs Columbia →

🇺🇸 Charleston

SC, United States

CoL index 69.7

Compare Charleston vs Columbia →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Columbia after tax, in seconds.

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