Cost of Living in Columbia, SC, United States

RESTAURANTS

Of course, as expected, the regular regional chain restaurants have locations in and near town so you can always find very cheap (and delicious) fast food.

Still, you should keep in mind that eating out will, without a doubt, cost you more than cooking by yourself, however cheap it is.

There are also many high-end restaurants that will cost you much more than the basic 13$ you would pay for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant.

MARKETS

As for grocery shopping, your groceries and the amount of money you spend on food depends on your eating habit and may vary from $80 per week onwards.

The major supermarket chains in Columbia are the regular ones: Jewel Osco, Mariano’s, Meijer, Food 4 Less, Aldi, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s.

TRANSPORTATION

Most people use a car to get around Columbia, but there is a very well-organized bus service around town, though it is generally directed towards locals rather than tourists.

Taxi service is also available 24/7, like in any other city in America, but it would be helpful if one calls in advance.

UTILITIES (MONTHLY)

Again, if you look at the price of all included utilities for an apartment of a larger structure (85m2) utilities are not too expensive: for such an apartment, all basic utilities – including electricity, along with heating and cooling, water, gas, and garbage services – costs around 188$ which is much less than in the majority of cities in Europe.

SPORTS & LEISURE

Columbia offers easy access to the mountains of Nort Caroline and the beaches of South Carolina, so you have many ways to exercise and stay in shape yet not spend a lot of money on a gym.

However, if you prefer gyms and fitness centers, enjoying them is way cheaper than in many other major cities in the US.

Becoming a member of a gym or a fitness club will cost you less than 22$ a month.

CLOTHING & SHOES

Columbiana Centre is Columbia’s largest shopping mall.

Here, you can buy a pair of quality jeans like Levi’s for only around 59.5$, although a pair of quality running sneakers like Nike remains at above 79$, while simpler items of clothing like shirts cost around 35$.

Clothing is not too expensive in Columbia.

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is definitely one of the more expensive aspects of living in Columbia.

Don’t expect to find a cute apartment anywhere near the city center for less than 1431.33$ – and that goes for one-bedroom apartments!

If you want to move in with your family in a larger apartment, then prepare to cash out at least 1500$.