Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Columbia, SC?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30% of gross income.
Columbia rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (South Carolina state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These South Carolina cities have lower median rent than Columbia, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Columbia
View full rent data for Columbia, SC →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Columbia, SC?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,478 a month. A typical plumber in South Carolina earns about $59,048 a year, which makes that rent 30% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Columbia?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in South Carolina (~$59,048/yr) supports up to $1,476 a month in rent. Columbia's current median rent is $1,478/mo, which is $2/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Columbia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a plumber in South Carolina works roughly 52.1 hours a month to cover Columbia's median rent of $1,478.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbia for a plumber?
Nearby South Carolina cities with lower median rent include Port Royal ($1,471/mo), Forest Acres ($1,469/mo), North Myrtle Beach ($1,469/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.