Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Seattle is 145% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,998/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 47%
$121,984/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 47%
$912,100 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 71%
$2,220/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
741,440
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $931/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $11,172/year.

Median household income is $57,496/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Columbia — common questions

Is Seattle or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Columbia?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $931/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Columbia?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $57,496/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Columbia

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka