Columbia, United States 🇺🇸
#1372
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 133,451 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds of 100 Mbps are common, with fiber options available. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (US Dollar is the official currency with various banks including Bank of America and Wells Fargo). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; Columbia's tap water is sourced from the Congaree River and is treated to meet federal standards. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets are standard. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major carriers include Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offering good coverage and various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include cash, debit cards, and credit cards; popular expat-friendly banks include HSBC and Chase. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local apartments, and short-term rentals throughout the city. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most places accept credit/debit cards and mobile payment options are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo provide various options starting from $60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels and budget motels are available, with prices starting around $50 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Vista district offers restaurants, nightlife, and riverfront views. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Five Points is popular among digital nomads for its vibrant atmosphere and access to amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Columbia offers flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Drip Coffee offers a relaxed atmosphere with good wifi and ample seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly Startup Grind events and numerous local meetups are great for networking. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Columbia Expats Meetup group on Facebook organizes social gatherings regularly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Lyft are widely available for local transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | The city has bike-sharing programs with Blue Bike SC and electric scooters from Lime. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Myrtle Beach is approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | American Airlines provides flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer international flights from Columbia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstates 20, 26, and 77 connect Columbia with major cities in the Southeast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Columbia Amtrak station services passenger trains along the Palmetto line. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The COMET offers bus passes for local transport, with day passes available for $3. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Greyhound and MegaBus provide options for interstate travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Palmetto Health Richland is the leading healthcare facility in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Columbia Yoga provides a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and LA Fitness are prominent fitness centers with various membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold Laundry offers convenient self-service and drop-off options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and DoorDash are popular for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Palmetto Cheese, a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Good Life Café serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Cream Company offers artisanal ice cream options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Soda City Market provides local produce and goods every Saturday. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon, Walmart, and local stores offer extensive online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and Shipt are popular grocery delivery services in Columbia. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Vista is the go-to area for nightlife with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | River Rat Brewery offers local craft beers with tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Whig is a popular wine bar with a variety of selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food truck events in the Five Points area offer a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pawleys Island offers a diverse menu of seafood and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The South Carolina State House is a must-visit landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Columbia Museum of Art features a collection spanning centuries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Jackson offers historical tours and reenactments. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is an architectural highlight. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The South Carolina State Fair occurs every October, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Main Street District is home to galleries, theaters, and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Trustus Theatre is known for its contemporary performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Congaree City Market offers handmade local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Music Farm hosts a variety of local and touring acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The North Main Arts District features murals and public art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Root Cellar offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Hodgepodge Art Gallery showcases local artists and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Governor's Mansion is an important historical site in Columbia. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Columbia is a focal point of Southern culture and heritage in South Carolina. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Murray offers recreational activities like fishing and boating. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Congaree National Park is a short drive away, known for its old-growth forest. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Riverwalk offers scenic paths along the Broad River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of the State House dome provides panoramic city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Congaree National Park is also excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Lake Murray has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer reliable delivery services in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Best Buy has a Geek Squad for tech repairs and services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Riverbanks Zoo has public ping pong areas. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Columbia International School offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Richland County Public Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Recreation Commission offers community programs and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Basement is a gaming lounge with various arcade games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Closest casino options are in North Carolina, about 2 hours away. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $64,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 21% federal corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-resident aliens. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 37% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | No VAT; sales tax of 7% on most goods. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the US has strict rules regarding foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are assessed based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No specific transfer tax, but recording fees may apply. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads benefit from relatively low costs and favorable tax exemptions based on residency. |