Columbia vs El Centro
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 11% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia — saving $1,116/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | El Centro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $556 | $88 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $706 | $65 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $834 | $93 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,056 | $122 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,186 | $155 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $50,743 | $2,329 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/yr
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or El Centro cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia. That's $93/mo or $1,116/year more expensive in Columbia (11% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs El Centro?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In El Centro, a 2-bedroom FMR is $834/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and El Centro?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In El Centro it is $50,743/year. Columbia has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs El Centro?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In El Centro it is $556/mo.