Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Orange is 158% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,252/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 53%
$116,945/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 45%
$900,700 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 70%
$2,394/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 53%
138,723
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,185/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $14,220/year.

Median household income is $52,457/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Columbia — common questions

Is Orange or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Columbia?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,185/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Columbia?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $52,457/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Orange or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Columbia

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