2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Columbia, SC vs Charlotte, NC

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Charlotte or is it cheaper to live in Columbia?
- Charlotte is 17.3% more expensive than Columbia.

Which city has more affordable housing, Charlotte or Columbia?
- Charlotte housing costs are 76.9% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Columbia or is Health Care more affordable in Charlotte.
- Health related expenses are 17.6% less in Charlotte.
 Columbia, SCCharlotte, NCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock102.5100
 Food & Groceries96.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock95.0100
 Housing58.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$381,800$338,100
 Utilities109  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock97.7100
 Miscellaneous92.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

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Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

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Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  More

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Reviews for Charlotte    305 Reviews

My favorite city to live year round with 4 seasons. We love Charlotte  More

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Over 3 years ago

This city has a lot of potential, but it could use some work. For example, it seems to lack things that other cities have. And there is a lack of atmosphere and charm.  More

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Over 4 years ago

Very new transplant (~6 weeks) so first impressions and reasons why I moved here: -great year-round weather, if you don't mind humidity-- less hot in summer than TX/AZ  More

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