Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Columbus is 14% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,072/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ≈ Same
$56,622/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 14%
$182,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 47%
$1,064/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 5%
204,383
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,866/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Columbia — common questions

Is Columbus or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Columbia?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Columbia?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $7,866/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Missouri?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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