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

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

El Paso is 16% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,041/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 2%
$58,734/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 10%
$171,700 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 56%
$1,044/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
678,147
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,754/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Columbia — common questions

Is El Paso or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Columbia?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Columbia?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $5,754/year higher in Columbia.
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 El Paso or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for El Paso and Columbia

El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka