Colorado vs South Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$80,906
in South Carolina
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Colorado | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 80.6 | +35% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 99.0 | +2% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 96.9 | -9% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 96.4 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 94.2 | +13% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 98.2 | +6% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 92.7 | +11% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $285,000 | +$245,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,128/mo | +$395 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.32 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $97/mo | +$10 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $11,512/yr | +$10,328 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → South Carolina
What a Colorado salary buys you in South Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,956 | +$5,044 |
| $75,000 | $67,435 | +$7,565 |
| $100,000 | $89,913 | +$10,087 |
| $150,000 | $134,869 | +$15,131 |
| $200,000 | $179,825 | +$20,175 |
Positive = your money goes further in South Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Colorado is 11% more expensive than South Carolina overall. Colorado has an index of 103.1 vs 92.7 for South Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or South Carolina?
South Carolina is cheaper to live in. Colorado is 11% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $285,000 in South Carolina.
Is South Carolina cheaper than Colorado?
Yes, South Carolina is 11% cheaper than Colorado overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Colorado more expensive than South Carolina?
Yes, Colorado is 11% more expensive than South Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in South Carolina equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $89,913 in South Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 92.7).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in South Carolina. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $285,000 in South Carolina — a $245,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,128/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs South Carolina?
Housing is 35% higher in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 80.6). Healthcare is 13% higher in Colorado (index 106.3 vs 94.2). Utilities is 9% lower in Colorado (index 88.4 vs 96.9).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or South Carolina?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.21/gallon in South Carolina — a $0.32 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs South Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and South Carolina has 92.7 (national average = 100). Colorado is 11% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and South Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs South Carolina paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- South Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs South Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in South Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.