Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Columbia is 19% more affordable than Manchester. A $75,000 salary in Manchester is equivalent to $61,017 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 · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbia scores 99 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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