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Columbia, SC

Cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina

Richland County, SC

Part of the Columbia Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,127/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 418,725 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,172 37%
Healthcare $480 15%
Federal tax $439 14%
Transport $320 10%
Groceries $318 10%
Energy $204 7%
State tax $139 4%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Columbia

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,063
per month
1 bedroom
$1,172
per month
2 bedroom
$1,298
per month
3 bedroom
$1,656
per month
4 bedroom
$1,991
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbia

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$61,699
per year
Individual earnings
$36,884
per year
Per capita
$37,190
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbia

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$224,200
Annual property tax
$1,569

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbia

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$168
per month · 15.3¢/kWh
Natural gas
$36
per month
Annual total
$2,448
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Columbia

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Columbia

State and local tax rates for South Carolina.

State income tax
6.4%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
7.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Columbia

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.1 min
Drive alone
72.4%
Public transit
0.9%
Work from home
10.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbia

What it costs to live in Columbia each month.

Single person
$3,127
per month
  • Rent $1,172
  • Energy $204
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $318
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $439
  • State tax $139
Couple
$4,370
per month
  • Rent $1,298
  • Energy $245
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $527
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $680
  • State tax $271
Family
$6,858
per month
  • Rent $1,656
  • Energy $306
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $800
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $680
  • State tax $271

Frequently asked questions about Columbia

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbia?

In Columbia, South Carolina, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,172 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,298 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,656 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbia?

In Columbia, South Carolina, the average household income is $61,699 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $36,884 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbia?

The estimated cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina is approximately $3,127 per month for a single person, $4,370 for a couple, $6,858 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbia?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbia, South Carolina is 7.44%, which includes the South Carolina state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 1.44%.

Is Columbia an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbia, South Carolina would need approximately $3,127 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $61,699 per year ($5,142 per month). Columbia has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbia?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbia, South Carolina is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbia?

The average home value in Columbia, South Carolina is $224,200, with average annual property taxes of $1,569, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbia compare to other areas?

You can compare Columbia, South Carolina with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Columbia is in the Columbia, SC metro area.

Other counties in South Carolina

Browse the full list of counties in South Carolina, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in South Carolina

Compare Columbia with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources