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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Denton is 25% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,344/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 21%
$73,719/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 13%
$325,700 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 18%
$1,461/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
146,987
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $9,231/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Columbia — common questions

Is Denton or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Columbia?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Columbia?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $9,231/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Columbia details →

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