Columbia vs Hampton: Cost of Living (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of Columbia, SC and Hampton, VA, using US Census Bureau data.
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hampton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,754 | 137,217 |
| Median household income | $54,095 | $64,430 |
| Median home value | $226,200 | $219,800 |
| Median rent (/mo) | $1,105 | $1,255 |
Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Highlighted cell = more affordable / higher income.
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compare-top (set NEXT_PUBLIC_ADSENSE_CLIENT to serve real ads)Comparing Columbia, SC and Hampton, VA comes down to what you value most. Hampton has the lower median home value, and Columbia has the lower median rent.
Hampton has the higher median household income, which affects how far a paycheck stretches against local housing costs. The table below breaks down the key numbers side by side, all sourced from the US Census Bureau.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to live in Columbia or Hampton?
- By median home value, Hampton is the cheaper of the two ($219,800 vs $226,200). Rent and income differ too — see the full comparison above.
- Which has higher salaries, Columbia or Hampton?
- Median household income is $54,095 in Columbia versus $64,430 in Hampton, per the US Census Bureau.