Cheapest Cities Near Columbia (2026)

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI13% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $370/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX11% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS10% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $250/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO10% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX10% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN9% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $260/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS9% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $310/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX9% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $200/mo on rent
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Columbia at a glance

88
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,250
1BR rent
per month
$255K
Home price
median
4.7%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Syracuse, NYCOL: 88Tallahassee, FLCOL: 88Gainesville, FLCOL: 88Pensacola, FLCOL: 88

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only