Cost of Living: Columbia, MO vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Columbia is 40% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,067/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 11%
$64,488/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 19%
$268,300 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 52%
$1,114/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 18%
127,200
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $12,237/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Evansville — common questions

Is Columbia or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Evansville?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Evansville?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $12,237/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Indiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Evansville

Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow