Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Columbia is 9% more affordable than Boise. A $75,000 salary in Boise is equivalent to $67,925 in Columbia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Idaho salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boise has a housing index of 118 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Boise costs $420,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Boise versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boise scores 99 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Boise (98) are lower than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boise is $60,818 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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