St. Louis, MO vs Columbia, SC: 66 vs 80

$978/mo ↓ 16%

Median Rent

$1,158/mo ↑ 18%

$55,279/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$55,653/yr ≈ Same

$185,100 ↓ 24%

Home Value

$243,500 ↑ 32%

$1,013/mo ↓ 13%

Owner Costs

$1,169/mo ↑ 15%

293,109

Population

138,019

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $374/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Columbia — common questions

Is St. Louis or Columbia cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Columbia?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $180/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Columbia?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $374/year higher in Columbia.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and South Carolina?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.

Should I move to St. Louis or Columbia?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Columbia, SC (2026)

St. Louis

Columbia

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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