Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Tempe is 50% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,623/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 34%
$77,643/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 17%
$421,900 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 36%
$1,554/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
186,419
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $13,155/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Columbia — common questions

Is Tempe or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Columbia?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Columbia?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $13,155/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Columbia details →

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