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

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Columbia is 9% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,067/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
$64,488/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 3%
$268,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 33%
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
127,200
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,768/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Abilene — common questions

Is Columbia or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Abilene?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Abilene?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,768/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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