Moving from Phoenix to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 88 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$325/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10088
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,250
per month
State tax
2.5%4.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,447
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Phoenix lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Phoenix | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,200 |
| $50K | $44,000 |
| $60K | $52,800 |
| $75K | $66,000 |
| $80K | $70,400 |
| $100K | $88,000 |
| $120K | $105,600 |
| $150K | $132,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Phoenix vs Columbia
| Expense | Phoenix | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $369 | $365 |
| Transport | $64 | $45 |
| Utilities | $210 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,381 | $2,569 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Phoenix?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Phoenix to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Phoenix to Columbia could save roughly $325/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,900/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Phoenix lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Phoenix, you'd need roughly $66,000/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to PhoenixPhoenix vs Columbia — full comparisonPhoenix 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