Moving from Raleigh to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 87 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$477/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10187
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,250
per month
State tax
4.5%6.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,353
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,455 |
| $50K | $43,069 |
| $60K | $51,683 |
| $75K | $64,604 |
| $80K | $68,911 |
| $100K | $86,139 |
| $120K | $103,366 |
| $150K | $129,208 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Columbia
| Expense | Raleigh | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,353 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $365 | $361 |
| Transport | $70 | $45 |
| Utilities | $150 | $152 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,485 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 87 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Columbia could save roughly $477/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,724/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $64,604/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to RaleighRaleigh vs Columbia — full comparisonRaleigh 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