Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Columbia is 14% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $64,865 in Columbia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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