Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Cleveland is 9% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $67,969 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Columbia sits at 88 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $210,000 in Columbia, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,200 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Columbia scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Columbia (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $46,734 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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