Columbia, South Carolina vs. Merced, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Merced, California is 25.2% more expensive than Columbia, South Carolina.

You would need a salary of $125,207 in Merced, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Columbia, South Carolina.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Merced, California is more expensive than Columbia, South Carolina
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
82% more expensive in Merced
than in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, SC vs. Merced, CA
Compared to Columbia, Merced is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  25.2% higher
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  3.6% higher
  Housing (Homeowner)
  89.5% higher
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  1.3% higher
  Commute
  32.3% higher
  Health
  5.2% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  5.3% lower