Columbia, SC vs Sumter, SC

Sumter is moderately more affordable than Columbia, with a 12.7% lower cost of living index. Columbia scores 88 compared to 78 for Sumter, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Columbia can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month compared to $1,055/month in Sumter — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumter is more affordable at $188,400 median vs $243,500.

Median household income in Columbia is $55,653 compared to $53,071 in Sumter (+4.9%). Columbia does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Columbia spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Sumter.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.5°F vs 65.5°F). Sumter receives more rainfall at 43.7" per year compared to 43.7" in Columbia.