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

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Beaumont

Texas
66

Columbia is 21% more expensive than Beaumont.

$1,067/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ≈ Same
$64,488/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$57,530/yr ↓ 11%
$268,300 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$158,800 ↓ 41%
$1,114/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,031/mo ↓ 7%
127,200
Population
113,710

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Beaumont, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,958/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $158,800 in Beaumont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Beaumont — common questions

Is Columbia or Beaumont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Beaumont is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Beaumont?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Beaumont it's $1,072/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Beaumont?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $57,530 in Beaumont. Median household income is $6,958/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 Beaumont?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Beaumont has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Beaumont details →

More Comparisons

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