Columbia, IL

Below Avg · 87

Illinois · Population 11,063 · Updated March 2026

$1,089
Median Rent / Month
$107,922
Median Income
$290,100
Median Home Value
$1,350
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Columbia

12.1%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Illinois

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.95%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.25%
Sales Tax
2.07%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,068
Annual Rent
$5,342
State Income Tax
$6,005
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Columbia offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 87 (where 100 equals the national median), Columbia residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,089/month while earning a median household income of $107,922/year.

The median home value in Columbia, IL is $290,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,350 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 12.1% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Illinois has a moderate income tax rate of 4.95%. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 2.07% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Columbia

What is the cost of living in Columbia, IL?
The cost of living index in Columbia, IL is 87 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,089, median household income is $107,922/year, and the median home value is $290,100.
Is Columbia, IL affordable?
Yes, Columbia is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 87. The rent-to-income ratio is 12.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Columbia, IL?
The median gross rent in Columbia, IL is $1,089 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,068.
What is the median household income in Columbia?
The median household income in Columbia, IL is $107,922 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Illinois?
Illinois has a top income tax rate of 4.95%, a sales tax of 6.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.07%.