Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Columbia is 23% more affordable than Worcester. A $75,000 salary in Worcester is equivalent to $57,600 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Worcester sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $340,000 in Worcester, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,600 in Worcester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbia scores 99 while Worcester scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are lower than Worcester (115).
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $52,228 in Worcester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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