Is Columbia, SC cheaper than Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbia, SC is 1.5% cheaper than Macon-Bibb County, GA. This translates to saving $109 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbia, SC to live like I do in Macon-Bibb County, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Macon-Bibb County, GA, you'd need approximately $148,687.517 in Columbia, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Macon-Bibb County, GA and Columbia, SC?

Housing in Columbia, SC is 2.1% more expensive than in Macon-Bibb County, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,120/month in Columbia, SC compared to $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Macon-Bibb County, GA to Columbia, SC?

Moving from Macon-Bibb County, GA to Columbia, SC could save you approximately $109 per month, or $1312 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Columbia, SC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Macon-Bibb County, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $109/month moving to Columbia, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.7K in Columbia, SC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$109

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.3K

Per year

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$153K

Columbia, SC

Population:142K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$229K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K residents.

Columbia, SC

The Palmetto State

142K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Columbia, SC

Category	Macon-Bibb County, GA	Columbia, SC	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,151/mo	↓ $418less	26.6%
All Utilities	$609/mo	$508/mo	↓ $101less	16.5%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$625/mo	↑ $89.22more	16.7%
Other	$1,705/mo	$1,636/mo	↓ $69.84less	4.1%
Housing	$2,084/mo	$2,128/mo	↑ $44.14more	2.1%
Groceries	$999/mo	$968/mo	↓ $30.46less	3.1%

Transportation

↓ 26.6%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,569

Columbia, SC

$1,151

Difference

$418

less

All Utilities

↓ 16.5%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$609

Columbia, SC

$508

Difference

$101

less

Healthcare

↑ 16.7%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$535

Columbia, SC

$625

Difference

$89.22

Other

↓ 4.1%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$1,705

Columbia, SC

$1,636

Difference

$69.84

less

Housing

↑ 2.1%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$2,084

Columbia, SC

$2,128

Difference

$44.14

Groceries

↓ 3.1%

Macon-Bibb County, GA

$999

Columbia, SC

$968

Difference

$30.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$704

To$904

↑ $200

1 Bed

From$813

To$1,022

↑ $209

2 Bed

From$975

To$1,120

↑ $145

3 Bed

From$1,301

To$1,425

↑ $124

Columbia, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,060–$1,610/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.

$7,502

Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA

$7,016

Monthly in Columbia, SC

$485

Difference

Home Values

Macon-Bibb County

Columbia

Median Value

$229K

YoY Change

↑ +0.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +41.8%

Price Range

$124K - $375K

Calculate payment - Columbia

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$125

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

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

Additional Tax Information

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Columbia, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.