2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Mason City, IA vs Columbia, SC

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Columbia or is it cheaper to live in Mason City?
- Columbia is 19.2% more expensive than Mason City.

Which city has more affordable housing, Columbia or Mason City?
- Columbia housing costs are 57.4% more expensive than Mason City housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Mason City or is Health Care more affordable in Columbia.
- Health related expenses are 14.7% more in Columbia.
 Mason City, IAColumbia, SCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.4100
 Food & Groceries92.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.3100
 Housing37.1  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$204,100$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.4100
 Miscellaneous101.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Mason City    8 Reviews

I am from the area originally and have lived several places. I recently moved back from Arizona. I moved back to help with my elderly parents. If I did not have  More

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Over 13 years ago

Where to begin?? Murder,arson,abductions,beastialty,gang killings,meth labs,pantie thiefs. High utility bills, no jobs, corrupt police, evil judges, minus 40 below wind  More

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Over 14 years ago

Unless you have a tie to Mason City, such as family, don't even consider this desolate town. The population is declining rapidly for a reason. You are on an island,  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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