Columbia, South Carolina
In Columbia, South Carolina, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.65 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.20 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,243.38, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.88% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Columbia's cost-of-living index of 82 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.65
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$1,243.38
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.88%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.23
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.62 | $1.93 | $2.52 | $3.77 | $2.07 | +27.8% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.35 | $3.58 | $3.54 | $3.61 | $3.68 | +9.9% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.67 | $4.51 | $4.64 | $4.87 | $4.97 | +35.4% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.96 | $2.59 | $2.83 | $2.97 | $2.97 | +51.5% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.39 | $3.59 | $3.66 | $3.66 | $3.77 | +11.2% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.01 | $4.45 | $4.72 | $4.81 | $5.00 | +24.7% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.27 | $6.64 | $7.04 | $7.39 | $7.76 | +23.8% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.38 | $5.92 | $6.03 | $6.27 | $6.27 | +16.5% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.39 | $1.73 | $1.80 | $1.82 | $1.82 | +30.9% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.82 | $4.35 | $4.57 | $4.61 | $4.70 | +23.0% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $8.05 | $9.85 | $10.74 | $11.50 | $11.73 | +45.7% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.42 | $4.12 | $4.62 | $4.95 | $5.20 | +52.0% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.56 | $3.85 | $4.08 | $4.20 | $4.28 | +20.2% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.05 | $4.25 | $4.51 | $4.60 | $4.60 | +13.6% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $1.96 | $2.20 | $2.36 | $2.48 | $2.53 | +29.1% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.72 | $1.93 | $2.04 | $2.10 | $2.18 | +26.7% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.21 | $6.51 | $7.10 | $7.46 | $7.69 | +47.6% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.90 | $4.13 | $4.38 | $4.60 | $4.69 | +20.3% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.41 | $5.02 | $5.37 | $5.70 | $5.93 | +34.5% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.70 | $6.77 | $7.31 | $7.59 | $7.74 | +35.8% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.23
Casual Dining
$19.68
Monthly Spend
$340.94
+3.48% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.34
$10.23
+61.4%Wendy's
2022: $7.16
$11.05
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $7.67
$11.46
+49.4%Starbucks
2022: $3.77
$5.24
+39.0%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Columbia?
Average 1BR: $1,151.28/mo · 2BR: $1,489.62/mo
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