The cost of living in Columbia SC area is very affordable, and as such housing is considerably cheaper than the nation's avg. According to Realtor.org the avg house in USA is just over $222,000, whereas in the Columbia area, it is just over $140,000. Home prices increase very little and are fairly stable over the last 20 years. 

Because Columbia is the capital of South Carolina there is a lot to do there, and plenty of work to be had. Mostly centered around the University of South Carolina activities include sports, concerts, and waterfront boating life at Lake Murray. Lake Murray SC homes are going to obviously be the most expensive property in the Columbia SC area and rightfully so, as it’s the 10th largest man-made lake in the United States and features over 500 miles of shoreline. This beautiful reservoir is 50,000 acres of fresh water fed by the Saluda river and encompasses popular city towns like: Chapin, Lexington, Irmo, & Columbia where most people would love to live, because of their proximity to the lake. If you're a "foodie" Columbia is not the place for you, but good news is you're only 1.5 hrs drive to Charleston SC. 

Key differences:


* Much more risk living near the coast for natural disasters living in Charleston SC.

* Housing Expense Higher in Charleston. As mentioned above the risk of living near the coast means higher insurance, flood insurance requirements & wild insurance. Tougher & more expensive building code requirements.  

* More bang for your Buck! In Columbia SC real estate is about a 3rd less than the Charleston SC tri-county area. 

* Much more to do in Charleston SC. Because Charleston SC is such a huge tourist destination, famously known, vacation hot spot, with beaches, & historic city there is much more to do to entertain yourself. However, there is a price to pay for that.