Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Baltimore is 5% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,290/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 17%
$59,623/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 8%
$219,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 22%
$1,333/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
577,193
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $4,865/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Columbia — common questions

Is Baltimore or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Columbia?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Columbia?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $4,865/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Missouri?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Columbia details →

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