Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Columbia is 12% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $66,055 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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