Are you considering a move to Columbia, South Carolina, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Columbia, South Carolina is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina and help you understand whether $3255 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4653.12.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
65.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.5 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.64 $ |
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.36 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.36 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.98 $ |
|
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Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.05 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.49 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.95 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
10.65 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
17.35 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
19.48 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
5.53 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.57 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
5.04 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
2.84 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
2.64 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
2.53 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
2.0 $ |
|
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.16 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.74 $ |
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Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.93 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
7.12 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
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Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
50.0 $ |
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Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.55 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
18.0 $ |
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Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.84 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32790.0 $ |
|
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Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26358.33 $ |
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|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
218.75 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
54.99 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
30.67 $ |
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
8.57 $ |
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Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.25 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1200.0 $ |
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
19463.5 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
52.33 $ |
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|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
56.0 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
82.33 $ |
|
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1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
86.38 $ |
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Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1466.67 $ |
|
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Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1050.0 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2500.0 $ |
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1325.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
7077.27 $ |
|
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Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1076.39 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4653.12 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.97 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Columbia, South Carolina come to a total of approximately $3255. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1466 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $246 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $994 per month.
Living in Columbia, South Carolina appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4653.12. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Columbia, South Carolina, you would likely need an income exceeding $4653.12.
In Columbia, South Carolina, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4653.12, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Columbia, South Carolina is approximately $1466. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1050.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Columbia, South Carolina can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $815 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's a medium risk here with high crime rates that keep growing and a community struggling with a 23% poverty rate. It's not a place too dangerous to visit, but it does come with some cautionary tales and advice.
You can't miss the COMET public bus transportation system here as the rides are brighter than the summer sun. Tourists should pay special attention to the Sode Cap Connector as it goes between all the tourism hot spots without stopping in potentially dangerous neighborhoods. Even better? Rides are just $1. You can get taxis and rideshares. Rental vehicles are also available. There's a low risk, but use caution at bus stops and try to avoid using public transportation after dark.
You are more likely to have a purse snatched than be pickpocketed here. In 2020, 11 purse snatchings were reported yet there were no pickpockets. In 2019, purse snatching was four times higher than pickpockets too. This could be a great time to plan to ditch the purse and utilize inside and secured pockets.
You can expect a medium risk here with a variety of weather issues. There's the insane summer heat, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and remnants of hurricanes that can cause a combination of all those listed above. Winters are more milk, but every now and then there's a crippling winter storm (and by crippling, I mean any snow or ice whatsoever).
The robbery rate is almost twice the national average, but just 20% of the robberies that happened in 2020 were in public places, and 25% were highway robberies in 2019. There's low risk by the numbers, but violent crimes - including gun crimes and homicides - are on the rise. That's not just in Columbia, but in all of South Carolina (and, to be honest, America as a whole). Treat this as a medium risk.
The police chief in Columbia said, "I can say here what I think has directly contributed to systemic violent crime is the proliferation of illegal guns on the street," but that's not a terrorist group. That's people who live in a specific part of the city. It's not quite big enough for a terrorist group to make this a potential target, but the presence of the major military training base of Fort Jackson on the east side of the city automatically elevates it to medium risk. However, it also brings more military and Homeland Security protection.
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs lists the most common scams in the state, and many of them are the typical lottery or utility scams. However, there's a medium risk when it comes to the potential for scams. Thieves here are looking to make a quick buck, especially during game days. If you notice a possible scam, call 1(844)TELL-DCA(835-5322).
The sexual assault rate is 60% higher than the national average and there are parts of the city that are just too dangerous to even visit. Other parts of the city make some people nervous, even though they are stocked with activities and shops. Proceed here with a medium risk, but also know that basic personal safety smarts will go a long way here.
The 2021 Water Quality Report showed an E. coli violation in April. The utility took all the required steps to fix the issue. You can look at it two ways: 1. The water was contaminated for a short time or 2. The issue was clearly noted and addressed swiftly. The city is also adding smart technology to water meters that bring instant information to customers should there be a violation or issue again. While there's a low risk overall, there's nothing wrong with choosing bottled water for drinking if that gives you a yucky feeling.
You'll need a passport and a U.S. Visa if you're coming from outside the country. The visa is used to get through Customs, but you can store it in a safe place until your return flight. You can travel freely through South Carolina without needing to show proof of identity.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here, but avoid carrying cash. There's just too much crime to risk having large amounts of money with you. If you do carry cash, store it in an inside pocket or in a non-traditional place. Many of the attractions have tickets that can be purchased online or through mobile apps.
You won't need a winter coat here and winters will even have some days that feel more like spring. The humidity doesn't go away, however, so bring clothing that can handle sweat without leaving stains. Rain gear is a good idea since there is a lot of rain in this region. Bring bug spray and apply it often. One local legend says one of the main streets was built extra wide to keep mosquitoes from crossing it. (Which doesn't work, FYI.)
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is within the city limits, but some people opt to fly out of Charlotte, North Carolina, for a larger airport and less expensive flights with fewer connections. If the beach is part of your trip, there are airports in Charleston and Savannah, each about two to two and a half hours away.
Travel insurance for urban travel and outdoor adventures is going to save a potential financial headache if you have an accident or get stuck in a hurricane.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 56°F | 60°F | 68°F | 76°F | 83°F | 89°F | 92°F | 90°F | 84°F | 75°F | 66°F | 59°F |
| Temp | 45°F | 48°F | 56°F | 64°F | 72°F | 78°F | 81°F | 80°F | 74°F | 64°F | 55°F | 48°F |
| Low | 37°F | 39°F | 46°F | 53°F | 62°F | 69°F | 73°F | 72°F | 65°F | 54°F | 45°F | 39°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 13°C | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C | 28°C | 31°C | 33°C | 32°C | 28°C | 23°C | 18°C | 15°C |
| Temp | 7°C | 8°C | 13°C | 17°C | 22°C | 25°C | 27°C | 26°C | 23°C | 17°C | 12°C | 8°C |
| Low | 2°C | 3°C | 7°C | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C | 22°C | 22°C | 18°C | 12°C | 7°C | 3°C |