Home for the holidays

More reasons to stay in Columbia, SC

Skyline-Columbia-SC

Views like this make us glad to call Cola home. | Photo via @afersner

If you’ve been traveling this holiday season and feel like the grass is a little greener on the other side, we’ve got some statistics for you. Turns out, the overall cost of living in Cola is lower than the national average, and lower than the rest of the state.

For example, compared to Raleigh:

  • The cost of living is 21.2% higher in Raleigh.
  • To maintain our standard of living, we would need to bring in $60,592 to our Cola household.
  • The median cost for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,631, which is $310 more than Cola.

There really is no place like home for the holidays.

Looking for more facts about the cost of living in Columbia? We’ve got you right here.

More from COLAtoday
Find your next great read when you join Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge.
The 16th annual Mardi Gras Columbia Festival features 19 local bands across three stages, plus a parade, food vendors, and craft beer.
Experience Columbia SC introduces its 2026 ambassadors, highlighting locals shaping how visitors experience the Midlands.
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence in Columbia and how to commemorate his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
ColaJazz Foundation and the Koger Center announce seven intimate jazz performances running from February through December.
For every Bradford Pear you remove from your property, Clemson and the Forestry Commission will give you a free replacement, but only while supplies last.
Get your calendars out and start booking your reservations at these Midlands eateries offering special dishes, menus, and deals for a limited time during Restaurant Week South Carolina.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.