Cost of Living: Columbia, MO vs Pueblo, CO (2026)

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Pueblo

Colorado
72

Columbia is 11% more expensive than Pueblo.

$1,067/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,020/mo ↓ 4%
$64,488/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$55,305/yr ↓ 14%
$268,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$230,900 ↓ 14%
$1,114/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,011/mo ↓ 9%
127,200
Population
111,514

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Pueblo, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,183/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $230,900 in Pueblo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Pueblo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Pueblo — common questions

Is Columbia or Pueblo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pueblo is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Pueblo?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Pueblo it's $1,020/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Pueblo?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $55,305 in Pueblo. Median household income is $9,183/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Pueblo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Pueblo has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,020/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Pueblo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Pueblo

Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka Pueblo vs. Murrieta Pueblo vs. Miami Gardens Pueblo vs. Downey Pueblo vs. Everett Pueblo vs. Peoria Pueblo vs. Costa Mesa