Missouri · Population 127,200 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Columbia
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Columbia is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 80 (where 100 equals the national median), Columbia residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,067/month while earning a median household income of $64,488/year.
The median home value in Columbia, MO is $268,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,114 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Missouri has a moderate income tax rate of 4.95%. Combined with a 4.225% sales tax rate and 0.93% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Columbia.
Common questions about living costs in Columbia
Similar-sized cities to compare
Compare the cost of living in Columbia, MO with 299 other major U.S. cities