Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Boston is 120% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,093/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 49%
663,972
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,026/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $12,312/year.

Median household income is $30,267/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Columbia — common questions

Is Boston or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Columbia?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,026/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Columbia?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $30,267/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Missouri?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Columbia details →

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