Discover the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC

Brought to you by Pulte Homes®

Aerial view of the state capital building and downtown near the best neighborhoods in Columbia, SC
Aerial view of the state capital building and downtown near the best neighborhoods in Columbia, SC

The affordable cost of living in Columbia, SC, is a key factor in its appeal to homebuyers. Overall, living expenses in Columbia are less than both national and state averages, which helps make the city an economically favorable place for those seeking a great place in the South to settle down. Plus, Columbia has so much to offer by way of recreational activities, neighborhoods filled with unique offerings, and beautiful new construction homes. 


If you’re drawn to living in this inviting city, this guide offers a closer look at the average cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina, so you can see if making this place your home also fits within your budget.


Summary:

  • Cost of Living in Columbia, SC

  • Housing Costs in Columbia, SC

  • Other Living Expenses in Columbia, SC

    • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Columbia

    • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Columbia

    • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Columbia

    • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Columbia

    • Tax Rates in the Columbia Area

    • Recreation Costs in Columbia, South Carolina

  • Average Salary in Columbia, SC

  • Columbia, SC, Cost of Living Comparison

  • Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Columbia by Neighborhood

  • Cost of Living in Columbia, SC, Conclusion


Cost of Living in Columbia, SC

Overall, as of April 2025, the average cost of living in Columbia, SC, is 10% less than the national average, according to Payscale®. Columbia’s cost of living is also 2% lower than the South Carolina average per March 2025 data from RentCafe®.


Housing Costs in Columbia, SC

Whether renting an apartment or owning a home, housing costs in Columbia are roughly 31% less than the national average and 15% lower than the state average, according to RentCafe in March 2025. Given that housing is a significant line item in most budgets, the city’s affordability in this category is a big plus. 


Per Zillow®, as of March 2025, the median list price of houses averages $249,600, and the median sale price as of February 2025 is around $220,333. For apartment seekers, RentCafe’s March 2025 data finds that the average monthly cost of rent is approximately $1,439, while Apartments.com® data from June 2025 offers an estimated cost of $1,219 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment.


Other Living Expenses in Columbia, SC

Beyond the expenses associated with owning a home, it’s helpful to have a general understanding of the costs of other essentials, such as groceries, fuel, and the price of recreational activities in Columbia. 


Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Columbia

The cost of food, whether stocking your pantry or treating yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant, is an important component of the overall cost of living in Columbia, SC. Grocery prices in Columbia are just 1% lower than the national average per Payscale in April 2025, which also offers this cost snapshot of some grocery staples:


  • Loaf of bread: $3.91

  • Gallon of milk: $4.65

  • Carton of eggs: $3.52 


As for eating out, Columbia offers all kinds of cuisine to suit almost everyone’s palate and budget, from food trucks and Southern comfort food to fine dining for date nights and everything in between. As of May 2025, Numbeo™ reports that restaurant meals range from $18 at an inexpensive spot to $60 for two people over three courses at a more mid-range destination. 


Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Columbia

While downtown Columbia and its surrounding neighborhoods are more pedestrian-friendly, thanks to the Three Rivers Greenway, most errands do require a car or other form of transportation. AAA® finds gas prices in Richland County, where Columbia is located, to be around $2.75 per gallon as of April 2025.


If you don’t have a car or simply prefer public transportation, you can bike or hop on the COMET, Columbia’s public transit system. Per their website, a one-way ticket costs $2 as of April 2025, but fare packages and student discounts are available. COMET also offers the Soda Cap Connector, with dedicated routes that only run to and from Columbia’s most popular neighborhoods and destinations, including the Main Street District, West Columbia, and the University of South Carolina campus.
A man pumps gas into his car, reflecting fuel prices and the cost of living in Columbia, SC.
A man pumps gas into his car, reflecting fuel prices and the cost of living in Columbia, SC.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Columbia

The Columbia, SC, cost of living for healthcare is 18% lower than the national average, according to Payscale’s April 2025 data, helping make care for yourself and your loved ones more affordable. Payscale also offers this overview of costs for various medical appointments:


  • Doctor appointment: $119.40

  • Dental visit: $97.46

  • Optometrist: $108.22


Of course, these amounts are based on average costs and may not accurately reflect the actual cost when using insurance or account for routine appointments versus specialty visits. 


The average cost of insurance depends on your plan, age, and other factors, but ValuePenguin® found that the average cost of health insurance for a 40-year-old in Columbia is $538 per month as of April 2025.


Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Columbia

The cost of utilities in Columbia is roughly 20% less than the national average, according to EnergySage™ in April 2025, which also reports that residents of Columbia pay about $175 per month on their energy bills, though this number can increase or decrease depending on usage during warm summer months or chilly winters. Water and sewer bills in Richland County total about $118.76 per month in April 2025, according to the county’s website.


Per RentCafe, as of March 2025, the average phone bill for Columbia residents is around $193.45. Internet expenses can depend on whether it’s cable, fiber, or satellite, as well as the specific service plan, but prices range from $30 per month to $245, according to CNET® in April 2025. 


Tax Rates in the Columbia Area

According to the Tax Foundation, for 2025, the combined sales tax in the Columbia area is 7.50%, while property tax rates in the area are around 0.46%. April 2025 data from SmartAsset® finds the average property tax in South Carolina is 0.53%, suggesting that Columbia’s property tax is slightly less than the state average.


Recreation Costs in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia is a city brimming with activities, adventures, and fun things to do for all ages and at all price ranges. The city also has numerous free activities, like visiting Riverfront Park, touring the South Carolina State House, or spending time at Lake Murray. Here are a few popular attractions in the area, including their cost as of April 2025:


  • Congaree National Park: free

  • Harbison State Forest: $5 day pass

  • Sesquicentennial State Park: $6 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors

  • Riverbanks Zoo & Garden: approximately $25 per person, with discounts for online purchases

  • EdVenture: $13 per ticket

  • Movie at The Nickelodeon Theatre: about $12 per ticket


Average Salary in Columbia, SC

According to ZipRecruiter®, the average annual salary in Columbia is around $64,722, or $31/hour, as of April 2025, with positions in construction, healthcare, and IT often earning the most.


The MIT® Living Wage Calculator finds that the hourly salary needed to live in Columbia, SC, for a single adult without children is $21.54, while two working adults who have two children would each need to make $24.90 per hour, as of February 2025.


Columbia, SC, Cost of Living Comparison

For another perspective on the cost of living in Columbia, SC, it’s helpful to see how the city’s expenses rank against other major cities:


  • Columbia, SC vs. Charlotte, NC: The Columbia, SC, cost of living comparison to Charlotte reveals that Columbia is 5% less expensive overall, according to April 2025 data from NerdWallet®, which also finds that housing, healthcare, and transportation costs are almost 20% less expensive in Columbia compared to Charlotte.


  • Columbia, SC vs. Atlanta, GA: Columbia again wins this cost of living comparison by being 7% less expensive than Atlanta, per NerdWallet in April 2025. Healthcare, housing, and transportation cost significantly more in Atlanta than in Columbia.

  • Columbia, SC vs. Nashville, TN: Nashville has much to offer, but it’s 8% more expensive than Columbia, with housing costs nearly double that of Columbia.

Exterior of a new construction home at dusk, an example of the Columbia, SC, cost of living
Exterior of a new construction home at dusk, an example of the Columbia, SC, cost of living

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Columbia by Neighborhood

Just outside of downtown are appealing Columbia, SC, neighborhoods and sleepy suburbs, perfect for a quiet and relaxing retreat after a busy day at work. Each neighborhood has its distinct perks, personality, and cost for new construction homes. 


West Columbia

West Columbia, or WeCo to the locals, is on the opposite side of the Congaree River from Downtown Columbia. Here, State Street and Meeting Street offer dozens of boutiques and stores. West Columbia is also an ideal neighborhood for socializing, from brunch at local favorite Cafe Strudel to sampling craft brews at WECO Bottle Shop and Biergarten or Savage Craft.


Homes in West Columbia have an average listing price in the upper $300Ks, per Zillow, as of April 2025.

 

Lexington

Twelve miles west of Columbia is the suburb of Lexington. Residents enjoy easy access to an array of restaurants and shops. This community-oriented town offers a robust events calendar, including festivals and live music. One of Columbia’s main attractions, Lake Murray, is only five miles from Lexington.


The average cost of new construction homes in Lexington is in the upper $300Ks, according to NewHomeSource™ as of April 2025. Pulte new construction homes in Lexington, SC, start in the mid $300Ks. 


Chapin

The quaint Columbia suburb of Chapin sits north of Lake Murray, less than eight miles from the lake’s shore. Chapin has local parks, a quality school system, and restaurants, offering all you could need to live in comfort.  


According to NewHomeSource, as of April 2025, the cost to build a new home in Chapin starts in the upper $400Ks. Browse our new construction homes in Chapin, SC.


Blythewood

For the essence of small-town living in Columbia, look no further than the suburb of Blythewood. Approximately 19 miles north of the city, Blythewood is home to the University of South Carolina’s equestrian center and serves as the training space for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team. The town’s Doko Meadows Park is a place where locals gather for a weekly farmer’s market or enjoy the six miles of hiking trails, an amphitheater, a lake, playgrounds, skating areas, soccer fields, and ropes courses.


According to NewHomeSource, the average cost of new construction homes in Blythewood is in the upper $300Ks as of April 2025. Our new construction homes in Blythewood, SC, start in the low $300Ks. 


Elgin

Approximately 25 miles northeast of Columbia is the suburb of Elgin. Founded in 1908, Elgin covers slightly over one square mile of land and is less than four miles from Interstate 20, which connects to the Columbia metropolitan area. Elgin also features Potter Community Park, which hosts events throughout the year.


To build a new home in Elgin, the cost ranges from the low $300Ks to the upper $500Ks per NewHomeSource as of April 2025. Our new construction homes in Elgin, SC, start in the mid $400Ks.


Cost of Living in Columbia, SC, Conclusion

The reasonable cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina, continues to be a draw for homebuyers wanting to settle down in this beautiful city. In addition to affordability, South Carolina’s capital city has numerous suburbs to choose from, so you can find an environment and home that best fit you, your needs, and your lifestyle.


Explore new construction homes in Columbia, SC, today, or browse more Pulte blogs. 



Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist 

Last Updated: INSERT PUBLISH DATE HERE FORMATTED LIKE: 9/18/23