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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Pasadena is 175% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,218/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 52%
$103,778/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 38%
$1,045,000 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 74%
$2,340/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,151/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $13,812/year.

Median household income is $39,290/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Columbia — common questions

Is Pasadena or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Columbia?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,151/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Columbia?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $39,290/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Columbia details →

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