Moving from Columbia to St. George (2026)
St. George has a COL index of 96 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 9% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. George to match your Columbia lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbia | Equivalent in St. George |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,636 |
| $50K | $54,545 |
| $60K | $65,455 |
| $75K | $81,818 |
| $80K | $87,273 |
| $100K | $109,091 |
| $120K | $130,909 |
| $150K | $163,636 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbia vs St. George
| Expense | Columbia | St. George |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $365 | $372 |
| Transport | $45 | $40 |
| Utilities | $158 | $148 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,569 | $2,524 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. George cheaper than Columbia?
No. St. George has a cost of living index of 96 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). That's about 9% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Columbia to St. George?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. George run about $45/month more than Columbia. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. George to match my Columbia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbia, you'd need roughly $81,818/year in St. George. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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