Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Columbia is 25% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $56,250 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) match Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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