2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Columbia, SC vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Columbia?
- West Des Moines is 0.9% less expensive than Columbia.

Which city has more affordable housing, West Des Moines or Columbia?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 56.8% more expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Columbia or is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 11.2% less in West Des Moines.
 Columbia, SCWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries96.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing58.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$282,300$338,100
 Utilities109  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.3100
 Miscellaneous92.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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