Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Richmond is 22% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,314/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 19%
$62,671/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 3%
$328,100 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 18%
$1,374/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
227,595
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $1,817/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Columbia — common questions

Is Richmond or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Columbia?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Columbia?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $1,817/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Missouri?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Columbia details →

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