Moving from Columbus to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 88 vs 91 for Columbus (100 = US average). You'd pay about 3% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$10/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9188
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,250
per month
State tax
3%4.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,553$4,447
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Columbus lifestyle
Based on the 3% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbus | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,681 |
| $50K | $48,352 |
| $60K | $58,022 |
| $75K | $72,527 |
| $80K | $77,363 |
| $100K | $96,703 |
| $120K | $116,044 |
| $150K | $145,055 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbus vs Columbia
| Expense | Columbus | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,553 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $361 | $365 |
| Transport | $62 | $45 |
| Utilities | $155 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,665 | $2,569 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Columbus?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 vs 91 for Columbus (100 = US average). That's about 3% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Columbus to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Columbus to Columbia could save roughly $10/month on core expenses. That's ~$120/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Columbus lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbus, you'd need roughly $72,527/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to ColumbusColumbus vs Columbia — full comparisonColumbus 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