Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Asheville is 18% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $61,364 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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