Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Columbia is 4% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $72,000 in Columbia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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