Columbia vs Raleigh-Cary
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 18% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary — saving $2,040/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Raleigh-Cary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $760 | $116 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $928 | $157 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,097 | $170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,435 | $257 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,556 | $215 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $70,678 | $17,606 |
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
Raleigh-Cary
- Studio
- $760/mo
- 1 BR
- $928/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,097/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,435/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,556/mo
- Median Income
- $70,678/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Raleigh-Cary cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary. That's $170/mo or $2,040/year more expensive in Raleigh-Cary (18% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Raleigh-Cary?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Raleigh-Cary, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,097/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Raleigh-Cary?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Raleigh-Cary it is $70,678/year. Raleigh-Cary has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Raleigh-Cary?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Raleigh-Cary it is $760/mo.