Cost of Living: Columbia, MO vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Columbia is 34% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,067/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 45%
$64,488/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 26%
$268,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 62%
$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 47%
127,200
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $16,601/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Columbia or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $16,601/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Michigan?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Ann Arbor details →

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