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Columbia, MO

Cost of living in Columbia, Missouri

Boone County, MO

Part of the Columbia Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,839/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 185,874 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $862 30%
Healthcare $480 17%
Federal tax $477 17%
Transport $320 11%
Groceries $313 11%
Energy $194 7%
State tax $143 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Columbia

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$691
per month
1 bedroom
$862
per month
2 bedroom
$1,007
per month
3 bedroom
$1,360
per month
4 bedroom
$1,601
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbia

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$69,913
per year
Individual earnings
$39,205
per year
Per capita
$38,945
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbia

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$254,100
Annual property tax
$2,232

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbia

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$142
per month · 14.2¢/kWh
Natural gas
$52
per month
Annual total
$2,328
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Columbia

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
6.3%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Columbia

State and local tax rates for Missouri.

State income tax
4.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
4.2%
Combined sales tax
8.3%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Columbia

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
18.7 min
Drive alone
75.8%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
9.2%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbia

What it costs to live in Columbia each month.

Single person
$2,839
per month
  • Rent $862
  • Energy $194
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $313
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $477
  • State tax $143
Couple
$4,182
per month
  • Rent $1,007
  • Energy $233
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $519
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $814
  • State tax $265
Family
$6,657
per month
  • Rent $1,360
  • Energy $291
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $787
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $814
  • State tax $265

Frequently asked questions about Columbia

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbia?

In Columbia, Missouri, a one-bedroom apartment averages $862 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,007 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,360 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbia?

In Columbia, Missouri, the average household income is $69,913 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $39,205 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbia?

The estimated cost of living in Columbia, Missouri is approximately $2,839 per month for a single person, $4,182 for a couple, $6,657 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbia?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbia, Missouri is 8.29%, which includes the Missouri state rate of 4.22% plus an average local rate of 4.06%.

Is Columbia an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbia, Missouri would need approximately $2,839 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $69,913 per year ($5,826 per month). Columbia is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbia?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbia, Missouri is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbia?

The average home value in Columbia, Missouri is $254,100, with average annual property taxes of $2,232, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbia compare to other areas?

You can compare Columbia, Missouri with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Columbia is in the Columbia, MO metro area.

Other counties in Missouri

Browse the full list of counties in Missouri, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Missouri

Compare Columbia with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources