Overview
Columbia is the capital of South Carolina, a university city with a large army training base. Population is about 136,632 (2020 Census); the metro area has about 858 thousand people.
Cost of living & rent
Reference rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (HUD FY2026, Columbia SC area): ~$1,164/month. With the Crew Member job at $11/hour (~$1,907/month before tax, estimated), 1-BR rent takes about 61% of pre-tax pay.
Getting around
The COMET bus system. About 95 miles from Charlotte; Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
Climate
Humid subtropical: very hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Economy & jobs
State government, University of South Carolina, Fort Jackson army base, healthcare (Prisma Health).
Vietnamese community
Vietnamese-language Mass at St. Martin de Porres Church, 229 Hampton St, Columbia.
EB-3 jobs in Columbia
Sources: Wikipedia (2020 Census) · HUD FMR FY2026 · Diocese of Charleston.
📌 For reference only; actual prices may differ. No guarantee of employment, visa or green card. Independent information & referral page.