Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Columbia is 11% more affordable than Henderson. A $75,000 salary in Henderson is equivalent to $66,667 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Henderson sits at 118 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $420,000 in Henderson, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,500 in Henderson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Henderson scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Henderson (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $72,238 in Henderson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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