Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Columbia is 8% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $69,231 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 · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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