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

Columbia

Missouri
80
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Columbia is 42% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,067/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 70%
$64,488/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 49%
$268,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 85%
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 65%
127,200
Population
115,546

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, MO and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $31,657/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $268,300 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Westminster — common questions

Is Columbia or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Westminster?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,067/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Westminster?
Median household income is $64,488 in Columbia and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $31,657/year higher in Westminster.
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 Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbia details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbia and Westminster

Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point