A STRETCH
On $75,000/yr, the typical $256,132 home in Columbia, SC needs $78,660/yr ($1,835/mo). Your gap: $-3,660 — housing would be 29.4% of your gross income.
The math
256,132 price − 10% down (25,613) = 230,519 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.95% on 230,519 = 1,526/mo principal+interest
+ 309/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
1,835/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 6,555/mo → 78,660/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-08 and the 6.95% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-09-17).
What salary WOULD clear Columbia, SC?
You need about $78,660/yr for the typical home. That's $3,660 more than $75,000.