Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Columbia, MO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

St. Paul is 14% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,248/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 15%
$73,055/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 12%
$280,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 4%
$1,390/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 20%
307,762
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $8,567/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Columbia — common questions

Is St. Paul or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Columbia?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Columbia?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $8,567/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Missouri?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Columbia

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka