Cost of Living in Columbia, SC in 2025

Columbia, SC Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

• Housing Costs: Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is steady at $1,205 in 2025.
• Transportation Expenses: Public transit fares are affordable at $2.00 per ride and $50 monthly, with fuel costing $3.12 per gallon.
• Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored health insurance averages $150 monthly, while Silver plan premiums are around $400.
• Utilities: Monthly utility expenses, including electricity and internet, total approximately $322.65.
• Income Levels: Median household income in Columbia is about $55,653 in 2025.

Columbia, SC offers a cost of living that balances affordability with quality of life. This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of living costs in 2025.

Explore detailed insights into housing, transportation, utilities, and other expenses to understand what living in Columbia entails financially.

1. Housing Costs in Columbia, SC

Housing is a major part of living expenses in Columbia. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment has changed over the past years as follows:

• 2010: Approximately $800
• 2015: Around $900
• 2020: About $1,000
• 2024: Increased to $1,205
• 2025: Steady at $1,205

This steady rise reflects Columbia's evolving housing market and demand.

2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Columbia, SC

Homebuyers see these median home prices over time:

• 2010: Around $150,000
• 2015: Increased to $180,000
• 2020: About $200,000
• 2024: Reached $226,301
• 2025: Remains at $226,301

The real estate market shows a positive trend with gradual appreciation over the years.

Understanding real estate market trends can be crucial for hospitality business owners managing location costs; see more insights in our hospitality real estate market trends spotlight.

3. Transportation Expenses in Columbia, SC

Transportation costs in Columbia are relatively affordable and include:

• Public Transit: One-way fare is $2.00; monthly passes cost around $50.00
• Fuel Costs: Average price per gallon is $3.12 as of 2025
• Vehicle Maintenance: Annual expenses average $600

These costs vary with individual commuting needs and choices.

4. Utility Costs in Columbia, SC

Monthly utility expenses for a typical household include:

• Electricity: $262.65
• Internet: $60.00
• Total Utilities: Approximately $322.65

Utility costs can vary depending on usage and providers.

Restaurant and hospitality businesses should consider utility costs carefully; check our restaurant utility costs guide for managing expenses effectively.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Columbia, SC

Grocery costs average around $300 per person monthly while dining out prices are:

• Casual Meal: Approximately $15
• Mid-Range Restaurant Meal: About $50

These expenses reflect typical food costs in Columbia.

If you are involved in managing or staffing restaurants, learning how to retain quality kitchen staff can help balance labor costs; read more in how to hire reliable kitchen staff.

6. Healthcare Costs in Columbia, SC

Healthcare spending includes premiums for health insurance:

• Employer-Sponsored Insurance: Median monthly cost is $150
• Silver Plan Premium: Around $400 monthly

Health expenses can vary by coverage and personal medical needs.

Employers can also benefit from understanding insurance costs better; see tips in our insurance for restaurant owners spotlight.

7. Educational Expenses in Columbia, SC

Education costs in Columbia include:

• Public Schools: Generally free due to public funding
• Private Schools: Average tuition near $10,000 per year
• In-State University Tuition: Approximately $12,000 annually

Costs vary widely depending on institution and level of education.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Columbia, SC

Leisure activities include:

• Movie Ticket: Approximately $13.12
• Gym Membership: Around $40 per month
• Mid-Range Restaurant Meal: $50
• Annual Entertainment Spending: About $2,000

These contribute to the lifestyle and recreation options in the city.

Hospitality businesses aiming to enhance guest experience might find value in personalization in hospitality experiences.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Columbia, SC

Tax rates and fees residents should consider include:

• State Income Tax: Ranges from 0% to 7%
• Sales Tax: Total of 6%
• Property Tax: Approximately 0.5%

These taxes shape the overall financial obligations in the city.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Columbia, SC

Childcare-related costs include:

• Daycare Services: Roughly $800 monthly
• After-School Programs: About $300 monthly
• Extracurricular Activities: Estimated $100 monthly

These expenses are vital for families planning budgets.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Columbia, SC

Monthly spending on personal items includes:

• Clothing: Around $100
• Personal Care Products and Services: About $50

These figures vary based on lifestyle preferences.

12. Insurance Costs in Columbia, SC

Insurance expenses feature:

• Health Insurance: $400 monthly average for health plans
• Auto Insurance: Approximately $1,200 annually
• Homeowners Insurance: Around $1,000 annually
• Renters Insurance: Roughly $200 annually

Insurance costs reflect necessary protections for residents.

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Columbia, SC

Additional costs include:

• Entertainment: Around $2,000 yearly
• Personal Care Services: Approximately $600 annually
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services: Estimated $500 annually

These influence overall lifestyle expenses.

14. Income and Salaries in Columbia, SC

Median household incomes over recent years have been:

• 2010: Approximately $45,000
• 2015: Around $50,000
• 2020: About $55,000
• 2023: Reached roughly $55,653
• 2025: Stable at $55,653

Rise in income levels shows steady economic growth in Columbia.

For employers in hospitality looking to understand salary expectations and how to attract talent, our salary in job postings spotlight and the bartender salary page provide useful information.

15. Comparison with National Averages

Columbia's cost of living compares to national averages as follows:

• Overall Cost of Living: About 11% lower than national average
• Housing: Significantly lower by 31%
• Utilities: Approximately 18% higher
• Food: Slightly lower by 1%
• Healthcare: Lower by 24%
• Transportation: Lower by 19%
• Goods & Services: Roughly 2% lower

These data points highlight Columbia's affordability in most areas with higher utility costs.

Our Methodology for Columbia, SC Cost of Living Figures

We compile data from reliable sources such as Numbeo, BLS, Zillow, and government statistics to present accurate cost estimations for Columbia. Some figures are estimated when exact data is unavailable to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Columbia, SC Cost of Living: Conclusion

The 2025 cost of living in Columbia highlights an affordable city with reasonable housing costs, manageable transportation expenses, and competitive healthcare prices.

While utilities are somewhat higher than the national average, most other costs remain lower, making Columbia a budget-friendly place to live.

Understanding these various factors is essential for residents and those thinking about relocating, enabling informed financial planning in this South Carolina city.

Hospitality employers planning to expand or recruit in Columbia, SC, can gain additional insights on effective hiring practices by reviewing our restaurant staff hiring strategies and how to hire a restaurant manager guidelines.