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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Fort Worth is 21% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,412/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 24%
$76,602/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 16%
$277,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 3%
$1,489/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 25%
941,311
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $12,114/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Columbia?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Columbia?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $12,114/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/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 Fort Worth details → View Columbia details →

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