Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Dallas is 21% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,403/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 24%
$67,760/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 5%
$295,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 9%
$1,409/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
1,299,553
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $3,272/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Columbia — common questions

Is Dallas or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Columbia?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Columbia?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $3,272/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
View Dallas details → View Columbia details →

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