Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Columbia is 10% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $67,290 in Columbia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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