Cheapest Cities Near Columbia (2026)

Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI11% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $370/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX10% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS9% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $250/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO9% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX9% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $300/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN8% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $260/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS8% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $310/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX8% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $200/mo on rent
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Columbia at a glance

87
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,250
1BR rent
per month
$260K
Home price
median
6.2%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

San Antonio, TXCOL: 87Detroit, MICOL: 87Lakeland, FLCOL: 87Winston-Salem, NCCOL: 87

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