Columbia vs Knoxville for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Columbia South Carolina | Knoxville Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,250Better | $1,300 |
| Median home price | $260KBetter | $290K |
| State income tax | 6.2% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.5%Better | 9.5% |
| Monthly utilities | $152Better | $168 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 95 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $435Better | $435 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 30 / 100Better | 26 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Better | 87 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Columbia or Knoxville?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Columbia scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $260K in Columbia vs $290K in Knoxville. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Columbia or Knoxville?
Tennessee has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. South Carolina has a 6.2% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Columbia vs Knoxville?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $435 in Columbia and $435 in Knoxville. That's a difference of ~$0/month, or ~$0/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Columbia on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Columbia, rent alone would consume approximately 30% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,250/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 60% (~$2,500/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Columbia has a higher walk score (30 vs 26 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Columbia offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Columbia has the same purchasing power as $50K/year in Knoxville
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026