Cost of Living in Columbia, SC
Population: 138,019 • 2026 Data
$55,653
Median Household Income
-28% vs national
$1,158
Median Monthly Rent
-14% vs national
$243,500
Median Home Value
-28% vs national
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Columbia
The median home value in Columbia, SC is $243,500. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,158, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,169.
Rent-to-income ratio: 25.0%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Columbia, SC is $55,653. The unemployment rate stands at 6.9%, with a labor force of 76,809 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.