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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

San Diego is 146% more expensive than Columbia.

$2,223/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 52%
$104,321/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 38%
$848,500 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 68%
$2,308/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,156/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $13,872/year.

Median household income is $39,833/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Columbia — common questions

Is San Diego or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Columbia?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $1,156/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Columbia?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $39,833/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Columbia

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka