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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to St. Louis, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.7K in St. Louis, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↓ 14.7%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,105
Savings
Annual Impact
$13.3K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Columbia, MD

Population:105K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$218K

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:
85
(15% below avg)
Median Home:$145K

Columbia, MD

The Old Line State

105K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 105K residents.

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbia, MD vs St. Louis, MO

Housing
↓ 30.7%
Columbia, MD
$2,702
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Difference
$831
less
Groceries
↓ 11.2%
Columbia, MD
$1,069
St. Louis, MO
$949
Difference
$119
less
Transportation
↓ 8.5%
Columbia, MD
$1,328
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Difference
$112
less
All Utilities
↓ 10.0%
Columbia, MD
$595
St. Louis, MO
$535
Difference
$59.59
less
Healthcare
↓ 8.8%
Columbia, MD
$577
St. Louis, MO
$527
Difference
$50.85
less
Other
↓ 2.2%
Columbia, MD
$1,644
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Difference
$36.60
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbia, MD: Howard County Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)
St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Net difference-$3,300/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$941
To$910
↓ $31.00
1 Bed
From$1,105
To$950
↓ $155
2 Bed
From$1,350
To$1,160
↓ $190
3 Bed
From$1,800
To$1,490
↓ $310
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800–$1,480/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,915
Monthly in Columbia, MD
$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$1,209
Difference

Home Values

Columbia
St. Louis
-
Median Value
$145K
-
YoY Change
↓ -0.8%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +10.9%
-
Price Range
$38K - $302K
Calculate payment - St. Louis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $669
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$55.75
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.4%
Rate difference

Columbia, MD

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Maryland State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.3K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.5%
$44.3K
Take-Home Pay
$8,811/month
$105.7K

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Columbia, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.1%

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Columbia
St. Louis
45 Good
Air Quality
54 Moderate
65.6%
Good Air Days
38%
95 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🫨
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.0°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.0°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days

What to Consider When Moving from Columbia, MD to St. Louis, MO

Relocating from Columbia, MD to St. Louis, MO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 15% lower in St. Louis, MO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in St. Louis, MO is 31% cheaper than in Columbia, MD. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in St. Louis, MO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in St. Louis, MO to match your current standard of living in Columbia, MD.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit St. Louis, MO for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Columbia, MD vs St. Louis, MO

Is St. Louis, MO cheaper than Columbia, MD?

Yes, St. Louis, MO is about 14.7% cheaper than Columbia, MD. You could save approximately $1,105/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 31% lower in St. Louis, MO.

What salary do I need in St. Louis, MO to match my lifestyle in Columbia, MD?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Columbia, MD, you would need approximately $136,737 in St. Louis, MO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Columbia, MD and St. Louis, MO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,350/month in Columbia, MD compared to $1,160/month in St. Louis, MO. One-bedroom apartments are $1,105/month in Columbia, MD vs $950/month in St. Louis, MO. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Columbia, MD or St. Louis, MO?

Groceries are about 11% cheaper in St. Louis, MO than in Columbia, MD, saving a typical household roughly $119/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Columbia, MD to St. Louis, MO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Maryland and Missouri on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Columbia, MD on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $1,105/mo
2.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $958/mo
3.Columbus, OH
Save $885/mo
4.Kansas City, MO
Save $885/mo
5.San Antonio, TX
Save $811/mo

Similar cost to St. Louis, MO

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