Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Columbia, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 8.7% more expensive than Columbia, SC. This translates to spending an extra $652 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in Columbia, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Columbia, SC, you'd need approximately $157,829.782 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Columbia, SC and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 12.3% more expensive than in Columbia, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,120/month in Columbia, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Columbia, SC to Dallas, TX?

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $652 more per month than Columbia, SC, or $7830 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Columbia, SC vs Dallas, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Columbia, SC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

Current salary in Columbia, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $652/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.8K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$652

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Columbia, SC

Population:142K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$229K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$292K

Columbia, SC

The Palmetto State

142K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 142K residents.

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbia, SC vs Dallas, TX

Category	Columbia, SC	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,128/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $262more	12.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,151/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $146more	12.7%
📦Other	$1,636/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $139more	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$563/mo	↑ $54.76more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$979/mo	↑ $11.05more	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$625/mo	$632/mo	↑ $7.38more	1.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.3%

Columbia, SC

$2,128

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$262

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.7%

Columbia, SC

$1,151

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$146

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

Columbia, SC

$1,636

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$139

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.8%

Columbia, SC

$508

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$54.76

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Columbia, SC

$968

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$11.05

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.2%

Columbia, SC

$625

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$7.38

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$904

To$1,450

↑ $546

1 Bed

From$1,022

To$1,505

↑ $483

2 Bed

From$1,120

To$1,765

↑ $645

3 Bed

From$1,425

To$2,220

↑ $795

Columbia, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,610/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,016

Monthly in Columbia, SC

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$621

Difference

Home Values

Columbia

Dallas

$229K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +41.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$124K - $375K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 27% more expensive than Columbia

Calculate payment - Columbia Calculate payment - Dallas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$830

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.6%

Rate difference

Columbia, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Columbia, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.