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Page Reviewed / Updated – October 7, 2022
Seniors looking for an ideal retirement place can consider Columbia, South Carolina, which has a cost of living nearly 15% lower than the national average and approximately 5% lower than the state average. Assisted living costs in Columbia are $3,270 per month, which is lower than the state and national averages. While the median costs for utilities and health are slightly higher than the state and national medians, seniors can benefit from lower costs for housing, groceries and transportation.
South Carolina is among the 10 lowest-taxed states and offers impressive tax deductions for retirees, with the highest income tax rate of 7%. Social security benefits are tax-free, and seniors can deduct up to $10,000 in retirement income from their state taxes.
In addition to providing a list of the best assisted living facilities in Columbia, SC, this guide provides an overview of the cost of assisted living in Columbia, as well as average costs for other types of care. Additionally, find a list of free and low-cost services that provide seniors with a variety of assistance in their communities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Columbia, SC
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, the median price of assisted living in Columbia is $3,270 per month, which is moderately lower than the state average of $3,612 and $1,230 less than the national average. Sumter residents pay over $600 less per month, whereas Greenville residents pay $473 more for similar facilities. Myrtle Beach Area has a higher monthly average priced at $4,070. The highest median cost in the state, the Hilton Head Island Area, is equivalent to the national average.
- Columbia: $3,270
- South Carolina: $3,612
- United States: $4,500
- Greenville Area: $3,743
- Myrtle Beach Area: $4,070
- Sumter: $2,663
- Hilton Head Island Area: $4,500
The Cost of Other Types of Care in Columbia, SC
Assisted living in Columbia is affordable, but seniors can also consider other care services with higher and lower costs. In-home care and home health care services are priced at $4,385 per month. For more affordable care options, seniors who require supervision only during weekdays can choose adult day health care at $1,376. For around-the-clock assistance and skilled nursing, seniors can select nursing home care, which averages $7,300 for semi-private rooms and $7,908 for private rooms.
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,270
- In-Home Care: $4,385
- Home Health Care: $4,385
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,376
- Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room): $7,300
- Nursing Home Facility (private room): $7,908
Brookdale Columbia
Conveniently located near the junction of Interstate 20 and Route 277, Brookdale Columbia is also just a few minutes away from the Columbia Place Mall. Despite its close proximity to restaurants and highways, the assisted living community offers seniors a walkable neighborhood in a residential neighborhood. Throughout the day seniors can be spotted at the outdoor fishing pond, eating chef-prepared restaurant-style meals in the community dining area or chatting by the fireside with family members. All residents have individual care plans and enjoy apartments with wall-to-wall carpet, and housekeeping included.
Features
- Greenhouse onsite
- 24-hour security
Wildewood Downs
Wildewood Downs is a luxury continuing care retirement community that offers resort-like amenities and lush accommodations that are spread out across a 37-acre gated community. Located just a few blocks from the Sesquicentennial State Park, seniors don’t have to leave the community to enjoy the lavish outdoors. Instead, they can meander along landscaped walkways and stop for a chat at the gazebo or birdwatch near one of three ponds. Assisted living residents are treated to three meals a day in an elegant dining hall, assistance with daily activities, upscale accommodations and medication management. We included Wildewood Downs on our list for its stunning landscaping and lavish amenities.
Features
- Putting greens on-site
- Personal and medical transportation available
Harmony at Columbia
Situated in a quiet residential area next to Crane Creek, The Harmony Collection at Columbia is an upscale senior retirement community that offers a variety of resort-like amenities including an on-site pub and bistro, salon and a fitness center. Flexible meal plans allow residents to grab a casual bite in the afternoon followed by a formal chef-prepared dinner or vice versa. Each modern apartment also features a full kitchen so residents can lightly snack as they like. Assisted living residents receive discreet assistance with the daily activities of living along with housekeeping and laundry services. We placed The Harmony Collection on our list of top 10 facilities for its modern but elegant approach to senior living.
Features
- 24-hour concierge services
- Apartments feature balcony/patio
Brookdale Harbison
Located across the street from Walmart and just a stone’s throw away from the Harbison Place Walking Trail and Lake, the Brookdale Harbison is a modern assisted living community that provides daily assistance with the activities of daily life so that seniors can focus their energy on enjoying the day. Active seniors take part in scheduled outings to places like the Riverbanks Zoo or meander towards the lake where they can find park benches that offer scenic views. They can also bask in the sun within the onsite landscaped courtyard that features walking paths and a personal fishing pond. We placed Brookdale Harbison on our list for its great access to natural beauty and nearby shopping plazas.
Features
- Apartments feature keypad entry
- Postal services on-site
Atria Forest Lake
Just a few blocks west of the Trader Joe’s and Publix Super Market shopping plazas, Atria Forest Lake is an upscale independent living, assisted living and memory care facility that offers a walkable neighborhood and high-class amenities. Assisted living residents enjoy individual care plans, assistance with daily activities and maintenance-free apartments equipped with walk-in showers. Throughout the day residents can be spotted in the courtyard enjoying the captivating fountain, enjoying a meal in the community dining hall or a snack on the patio or receiving a manicure at the full-service on-site salon.
Features
- Shuttle service
- Daily newspaper delivery
Rice Estate
Located just north of the Spur of Northwoods Golf Club, Rice Estate is a nonprofit continuing care community that allows seniors to gracefully age in place by providing assistance and a daily assortment of activities. Residents can partake in daily activities like bingo, get their hair trimmed at the on-site salon, bask in the sun in the interior courtyard or explore the highly walkable neighborhood. Assisted living residents receive varying levels of care based on their regular assessments, but have access to a variety of services ,including assistance with the activities of daily living, housekeeping, medication management and health care coordination.
Features
- Chaplaincy services
- Three chef-prepared meals daily
Mill Creek Manor
Mill Creek Manor offers a scenic living experience due to its location between Boyds Pond One and the Sesquicentennial State Park. While the luxury facility is fully landscaped and offers beautiful courtyards, seniors always have the option of exploring the grand state park, which they can see from the windows of their modern apartments. The facility provides assisted living, independent living and memory care options and offers residents access to an on-site salon. Assisted living residents are given a studio apartment and receive assistance with the daily activities as well as scheduled transportation.
Features
- Studio and companion suites available
- Laundry services
Carolina Gardens at Kathwood
Carolina Gardens at Kathwood is an upscale assisted living community situated within the walkable neighborhood of Forest Acres. Located just a few blocks west of Lake Katherine, residents are offered three meals a day in a restaurant-style dining area and have access to staff 24/7. Discreet help is offered throughout the day and a licensed nurse is always available for consultation. Throughout the day seniors can be found enjoying the large landscaped courtyard, meandering through the neighborhood with their dogs, relaxing in the library or taking advantage of group outings into the community. We placed Carolina Gardens at Kathwood on our list for its easy-going atmosphere and scenic location.
Features
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the campus
- On-site visits offered by the campus doctor, dentist, and podiatrist
Lexington Place
Situated within a residential neighborhood just a few blocks away from the Lexington Medical Center, Lexington Place is an attractive and relaxed assisted living community that offers residents a landscaped backyard and a full southern-style porch. The cozy facility offers residents access to a licensed nurse 24/7 along with access to caregivers who help with the daily activities of living as needed. Daily activities such as Happy Hour, Coffee Club and bingo help keep residents engaged and scheduled excursions help them stay connected to their local community.
Features
- Guest accommodations available
- Kitchenettes in all apartments
Wellmore of Lexington
Tucked into a wooded cul-de-sac near the edge of the Golden Hills Country Club, Wellmore of Lexington offers luxury assisted living and memory care to seniors. The campus resembles a resort from its stunning ornate apartment complexes to the carefully manicured landscaping and a long list of extravagant amenities. All assisted living residents receive discreet help with the activities of daily living and are encouraged to take advantage of the award-winning Well-More wellness program. An on-site clubhouse offers residents a casual bistro great for coffee dates, a full-service spa, a fine-dining hall and a bar where residents often meet up for happy hours. We placed Wellmore of Lexington on our list for its excellent care services and the above-mentioned renowned wellness program.
Features
- Heated indoor pool
- Weight room