Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Amarillo is 14% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,049/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 2%
$62,469/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 3%
$186,800 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 44%
$1,074/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 4%
200,945
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,019/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Columbia — common questions

Is Amarillo or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Columbia?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Columbia?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $2,019/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Amarillo details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Columbia

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka