2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Sparta, NJ vs Columbia, SC

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Columbia or is it cheaper to live in Sparta?
- Columbia is 24.0% less expensive than Sparta.

Which city has more affordable housing, Columbia or Sparta?
- Columbia housing costs are 60.9% less expensive than Sparta housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Sparta or is Health Care more affordable in Columbia.
- Health related expenses are 16.3% more in Columbia.
 Sparta, NJColumbia, SCUnited States
 Overall  Unlock87.4100
 Food & Groceries105.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock115.3100
 Housing149.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$204,100$338,100
 Utilities100  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock76.4100
 Miscellaneous116.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Sparta    7 Reviews

I lived in Sparta for 28 years and only moved away because I retired. Both our daughters went through the entire school system and received a great education. In the  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

Sparta is a wonderful place to raise a family. Sparta has a lot of organized activities plus an abundance of year- round outdoor activites. It has a number of private  More

   |    Reply

Over 16 years ago

We have enjoyed living in Sparta. It is an aesthetically pleasing area, nice lakes, good restaurants, a very good library and small town atmosphere. It lacks continuing  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Sparta

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbia


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.