Moving from Boston to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 87 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 46% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,895/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
16287
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$3,000$1,250
per month
State tax
5%6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 46% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $21,481 |
| $50K | $26,852 |
| $60K | $32,222 |
| $75K | $40,278 |
| $80K | $42,963 |
| $100K | $53,704 |
| $120K | $64,444 |
| $150K | $80,556 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Columbia
| Expense | Boston | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $418 | $361 |
| Transport | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $185 | $152 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $2,485 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 46% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Columbia could save roughly $1,895/month on core expenses. That's ~$22,740/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $40,278/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to BostonBoston vs Columbia — full comparisonBoston cost of livingColumbia cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only