Moving from Dallas to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 87 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$324/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9987
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,250
per month
State tax
None6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Dallas lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Dallas | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,152 |
| $50K | $43,939 |
| $60K | $52,727 |
| $75K | $65,909 |
| $80K | $70,303 |
| $100K | $87,879 |
| $120K | $105,455 |
| $150K | $131,818 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Dallas vs Columbia
| Expense | Dallas | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $361 | $361 |
| Transport | $96 | $45 |
| Utilities | $175 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,549 | $2,485 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Dallas?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 vs 99 for Dallas (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Dallas to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Dallas to Columbia could save roughly $324/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,888/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Dallas lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Dallas, you'd need roughly $65,909/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to DallasDallas vs Columbia — full comparisonDallas 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