Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Columbia is 14% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $64,286 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Modesto scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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