Median rent is 42% lower in Columbia ($1,092/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $261,700 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $61,204 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 113.3 — about 10% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Columbia is 10% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Columbia vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Columbia, TN
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Columbia, TN?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$82,974
You'd need $7,974 more (11% 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
Tennessee
Los Angeles
California
👥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 $1,092/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $261,700 in Columbia — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Columbia a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 7.25% in California; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbia
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,092/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Columbia cheaper than Los Angeles?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 10% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Columbia vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,092/mo in Columbia, TN and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Columbia, TN has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbia or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $61,204 in Columbia, TN and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles?
Tennessee has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Columbia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbia, TN is equivalent to roughly $110,632 in Los Angeles, CA (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