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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Columbia, MO — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 16.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,226
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.7K
Per year

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

Columbia, MO

Population:129K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$328K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$558K

Columbia, MO

The Show-Me State

129K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 129K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Live music capital
  • •Major tech hub
  • •SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbia, MO vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 51.5%
Columbia, MO
$1,904
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$981
more
📦Other
↑ 6.5%
Columbia, MO
$1,635
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$106
more
🏥Healthcare
↑ 10.8%
Columbia, MO
$531
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$57.35
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 3.8%
Columbia, MO
$1,237
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$46.91
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 0.2%
Columbia, MO
$958
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$1.68
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 0.1%
Columbia, MO
$540
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$0.77
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$834
To$1,585
↑ $751
1 Bed
From$1,058
To$1,685
↑ $627
2 Bed
From$1,211
To$1,995
↑ $784
3 Bed
From$1,638
To$2,525
↑ $887
Columbia, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,010–$1,040/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$6,805
Monthly in Columbia, MO
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,193
Difference

Home Values

Columbia
Austin
$328K
Median Value
$558K
↑ +3.4%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +38.5%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$268K - $360K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 70% more expensive than Columbia

Calculate payment - ColumbiaCalculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $7.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$661
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.3%
Rate difference

Columbia, 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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Columbia, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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
Austin
54 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
42.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

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

Where your money goes further

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

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $130/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $130/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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