Median rent is 35% lower in Columbia ($1,158/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $243,500 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $55,653 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 113.0 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Columbia is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Columbia vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Columbia, SC
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Columbia, SC?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$82,739
You'd need $7,739 more (10% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Columbia
South Carolina
New York
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbia — median rent of $1,158/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $243,500 in Columbia — 68% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% versus 10.90% in New York, so Columbia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in South Carolina and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbia
Income tax: 6.40%
Sales tax: 6.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,158/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower state income tax (6.40%).
Is Columbia cheaper than New York?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Columbia vs New York?
Median rent is $1,158/mo in Columbia, SC and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Columbia, SC has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbia or New York?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia, SC and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Columbia or New York?
South Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.40% and New York's is 10.90%. Columbia, SC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Columbia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbia, SC is equivalent to roughly $110,318 in New York, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology