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.

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

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

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$40.51 $40.51

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Columbia, SC Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

388

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Columbia, SC - Frequently Asked Questions

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 – from shared apartments to smaller houses – can stretch a budget further. Tip: Start with a simple weekly plan to minimize trips and save time and money.

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.

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 2–3 favorite areas and rotate visits as you learn the lay of the city.