Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Columbia is 7% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $69,903 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Wilmington scores 101. 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 $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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