Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Washington is 114% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,900/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 44%
$106,287/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 39%
$724,600 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 63%
$2,103/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 47%
672,079
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $41,799/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Columbia — common questions

Is Washington or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Columbia?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Columbia?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $41,799/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Missouri?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Columbia details →

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