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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Carrollton is 45% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,674/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 36%
$99,115/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 35%
$353,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 24%
$1,689/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
132,741
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $607/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $7,284/year.

Median household income is $34,627/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Columbia — common questions

Is Carrollton or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Columbia?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $607/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Columbia?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $34,627/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka