2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Alpena, MI vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Columbia or is it cheaper to live in Alpena?
- Columbia is 18.9% more expensive than Alpena.

Which city has more affordable housing, Columbia or Alpena?
- Columbia housing costs are 54.5% more expensive than Alpena housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Alpena or is Health Care more affordable in Columbia.
- Health related expenses are 26.8% more in Columbia.
 Alpena, MIColumbia, SCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.4100
 Food & Groceries89.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.3100
 Housing37.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$204,100$338,100
 Utilities95  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.4100
 Miscellaneous81.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Alpena    5 Reviews

One of the ten best places to visit in Michigan. I was born and raised in Michigan but now live in Seattle. I get back to Michigan frequently because my brother  More

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Over 12 years ago

Alpena is 740 ft above sea leval and gets 72 in. of snow every year. That's a good thing and Alpena is a winter wonderland for me . Clean and crisp with the lake frozen  More

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Alpena is a town for all ages, with plenty to do, more than one person could attend. I think the events are varied and offer something for everyone. The town is  More

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Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

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Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

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Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  More

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