Columbia, SC, US
Capital city with USC Gamecocks, three rivers, and affordable Southern living.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Columbia vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 8.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $48,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 136,632
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 35°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $195,000
- 1BR Rent: $1150/mo
Cost of Living
Columbia's cost of living index is 94.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Columbia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5% |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $195,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1150/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,438/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $130 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Columbia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $105 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $52 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $16 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $303 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Columbia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Columbia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 55°F | 35°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 50°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 53°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Columbia faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Flash floods.
Inland effects from hurricanes.
Tornado risk.
Charleston area seismic zone.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.5%
- Sales Tax: 8%
- Property Tax: ~0.79% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Columbia per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC, US?
The cost of living index in Columbia is 94.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Columbia?
The median home price in Columbia is $195,000. The housing index is 88.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Columbia is approximately $1150/mo.
Does Columbia, SC have income tax?
Columbia is in SC, which has an income tax rate of 6.5%.
What is the climate like in Columbia?
Columbia enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.