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

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Columbia is 67% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,067/mo ↓ 61%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 157%
$64,488/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 96%
$268,300 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 288%
$1,114/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 136%
127,200
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,675/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $20,100/year.

Median household income is $61,981/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Columbia or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Cambridge?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,675/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Cambridge?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $61,981/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Massachusetts?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Cambridge details →

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