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Cost of Living in Columbia, SC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,058 (excluding rent), and $2,198 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,451 (excluding rent), and $3,958 including rent.
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๐Ÿฝ Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.71 $17.71
$14.76 $14.76
$24.60 $24.60
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$61.0 $61.0
$50.9 $50.9
$102 $102
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.09 $12.09
$8.06 $8.06
$12.09 $12.09
Cappuccino
$3.76 $3.76
$1.50 $1.50
$6.02 $6.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.30 $2.30
$1.95 $1.95
$2.53 $2.53
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.86 $1.86
$1.26 $1.26
$2.44 $2.44
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.53 $4.53
$3.52 $3.52
$7.04 $7.04
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.33 $5.33
$3.91 $3.91
$7.83 $7.83
๐Ÿ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.88 $0.88
$0.69 $0.69
$1.04 $1.04
White Bread (500g)
$2.72 $2.72
$1.09 $1.09
$4.80 $4.80
Rice (white) (1kg)
$3.50 $3.50
$2.17 $2.17
$6.53 $6.53
Eggs
$4.28 $4.28
$2.01 $2.01
$6.07 $6.07
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.84 $9.84
$5.00 $5.00
$13.63 $13.63
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$12.99 $12.99
$4.41 $4.41
$28.77 $28.77
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$22.63 $22.63
$11.08 $11.08
$35.46 $35.46
Apples (1kg)
$5.25 $5.25
$2.22 $2.22
$15.74 $15.74
Banana (1kg)
$1.74 $1.74
$0.64 $0.64
$4.29 $4.29
Oranges (1kg)
$5.31 $5.31
$2.26 $2.26
$11.34 $11.34
Tomato (1kg)
$3.27 $3.27
$1.68 $1.68
$13.49 $13.49
Potato (1kg)
$3.36 $3.36
$1.13 $1.13
$4.55 $4.55
Onion (1kg)
$4.71 $4.71
$1.67 $1.67
$11.16 $11.16
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.94 $1.94
$1.87 $1.87
$1.97 $1.97
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.82 $1.82
$0.57 $0.57
$2.90 $2.90
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.76 $8.76
$6.60 $6.60
$20.32 $20.32
Wine (Bottle)
$14.88 $14.88
$7.93 $7.93
$19.84 $19.84
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.99 $1.99
$1.45 $1.45
$2.73 $2.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75 $2.75
$1.79 $1.79
$6.13 $6.13
๐ŸšŒ Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.95 $1.95
$1.95 $1.95
$1.95 $1.95
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$40.51 $40.51
$40.51 $40.51
$40.51 $40.51
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.04 $2.04
$2.04 $2.04
$2.04 $2.04
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.53 $1.53
$1.27 $1.27
$2.55 $2.55
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$18.30 $18.30
$18.30 $18.30
$18.30 $18.30
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.75 $0.75
$0.68 $0.68
$0.80 $0.80
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.2K $30.2K
$23.4K $23.4K
$36.0K $36.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.9K $25.9K
$25.3K $25.3K
$26.5K $26.5K
๐Ÿงพ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$220 $220
$211 $211
$228 $228
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$55.7 $55.7
$20.34 $20.34
$99.7 $99.7
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$59.9 $59.9
$46.33 $46.33
$75.5 $75.5
๐ŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$39.74 $39.74
$24.84 $24.84
$49.68 $49.68
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$7.05 $7.05
-
Cinema Ticket
$15.20 $15.20
$12.16 $12.16
$15.20 $15.20
๐Ÿงธ Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,426 $1,426
$983 $983
$1,868 $1,868
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$22.8K $22.8K
$15.2K $15.2K
$30.4K $30.4K
๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$55.8 $55.8
$30.02 $30.02
$65.0 $65.0
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.75 $34.75
$24.82 $24.82
$39.72 $39.72
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$79.2 $79.2
$49.99 $49.99
$170 $170
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$113 $113
$63.3 $63.3
$183 $183
๐Ÿ  Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,283 $1,283
$888 $888
$1,776 $1,776
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$911 $911
$749 $749
$1,099 $1,099
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,209 $2,209
$1,592 $1,592
$2,487 $2,487
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,291 $1,291
$1,003 $1,003
$2,005 $2,005
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,056 $2,056
$1,657 $1,657
$2,248 $2,248
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,652 $1,652
$1,618 $1,618
$2,089 $2,089
๐Ÿ’ต Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,334 $3,334
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.54
6.19
6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input โ€“ minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Columbia, SC Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Download
88
Mbps
Upload
15
Mbps
Latency
26
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
388
Mbps
Upload
52
Mbps
Latency
18
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
City tags:
Cost of Living in Columbia, SC - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, SC generally affordable for travelers, expats, or digital nomads, and who tends to get the best value here?
Columbia offers a balanced mix of approachable prices and a relaxed, walkable vibe that appeals to longer stays. Modest rents, affordable groceries, and a broad range of neighborhood options help stabilize monthly costs without sacrificing access to parks, dining, and cultural activities. In that sense, Cost of Living in Columbia, SC, United States tends to be friendlier than many coastal metros or tech hubs, especially for those who value space, community feel, and a climate conducive to outdoor life. Housing flexibility โ€“ from shared apartments to smaller houses โ€“ can stretch a budget further. Tip: Start with a simple weekly plan to minimize trips and save time and money.
What does a typical day look like for someone living in Columbia, in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and coworking or errands?
Understanding the Columbia, SC, United States living cost helps you set expectations for rent, utilities, and daily expenses. Finding a place usually means weighing walkable neighborhoods against parking realities and lease terms. Look for rental listings in core areas or near campus, then compare options for space, light, and utilities. Food is accessible: grocery stores, farmers markets, and casual eateries offer range and value, with plenty of Southern and international options. For getting around, a bus system serves many corridors and biking is common in pleasant seasons; rideshares fill gaps. If you work remotely or freelance, consider local coworking spaces or coffee shops with reliable wifi and comfortable seating. Tip: Build a two-week exploratory routine to test neighborhoods and transit during different days.
Whatโ€™s a practical approach to budgeting, neighborhood choice, and seasonal living in Columbia?
Pair a simple budgeting framework with a field test of neighborhoods to find what fits your pace. Track essentials like rent, utilities, food, and transit on a monthly basis, then earmark discretionary spending for dining and experiences. Seasonal cues matter here: summers are sunny and humid, winters are mild, which affects energy use and outdoor plans. For quality of life, prioritize a neighborhood that reduces commute time, offers greenspace, and provides access to libraries, markets, and social events. Tip: Establish a short list of 2โ€“3 favorite areas and rotate visits as you learn the lay of the city.
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