Tennessee • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Columbia, Tennessee

Overall cost of living: -5% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Columbia.

Housing
-6% vs avg
Utilities
-19% vs avg
Groceries
-4% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-6% vs avg
Median Home Price
$501,545
Median Rent
$1,505 / month
Energy Bill
$178.75 / month
Phone Bill
$159.46 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$2.82 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-4% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$3.93
Gallon of Milk
$4.55
Carton of Eggs
$4.49
Bunch of Bananas
$0.74
Hamburger
$5.56
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$137.22
Dentist Visit
$110.22
Optometrist Visit
$124.98
Rx Drug
$19.86
Veterinary Visit
$71.90

Columbia in the Context of Tennessee

State Avg Cost Index94.3
State Avg Rent$1,312/mo
State Income TaxNone
Cities in State133

Other Cities in Tennessee

About Living in Columbia, Tennessee

Columbia is located in Tennessee and has an overall cost of living that is -5% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Columbia.

Housing: Median rent in Columbia is $1,505 / month, and the median home price is $501,545. Housing costs are -6% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($3.93), milk ($4.55), and eggs ($4.49) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -4% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($137.22), dentist visits ($110.22), and prescription drugs ($19.86). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Tennessee has no state income tax, which means residents of Columbia keep more of their earnings. This is especially beneficial for high-income earners and retirees.

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Columbia, Tennessee Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Columbia.

Columbia, Tennessee has an overall cost of living that is -5% the national average. Housing costs are -6% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -4% vs average. Utilities are -19% vs average. This makes Columbia a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Columbia, Tennessee is $1,505 / month. Average energy bills run $178.75 / month. Phone bills average $159.46 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Columbia: doctor's visit averages $137.22, dentist visit averages $110.22, prescription drugs average $19.86. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -4% grocery cost difference.
Columbia is one of 133 cities tracked in Tennessee. With an overall cost -5% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Tennessee state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Columbia offers cost of living -5% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $501,545, rent of $1,505 / month, and no state income tax in Tennessee. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Columbia fits your budget.