Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Columbus is 26% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,224/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 20%
$65,327/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 15%
$234,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 21%
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 19%
906,480
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $10,048/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Columbus or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and St. Louis?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or St. Louis?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $10,048/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Missouri?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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