Columbia, MO, US
College town with the University of Missouri, a vibrant arts scene, and The District.
Overview
Columbia is a city in MO with a population of 125,000. College town with the University of Missouri, a vibrant arts scene, and The District. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 29.2.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Columbia vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.0%
- Sales Tax: 8.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $55,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 125,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 87°F
- Winter Low: 24°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $260,000
- 1BR Rent: $1050/mo
Cost of Living
Columbia's cost of living index is 92 (US average = 100).
| Category | Columbia | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 92 | 100 | -8.0% |
| Housing | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $260,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1050/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $173 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Columbia:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $100 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $96 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $2 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $333 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Columbia scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Columbia has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 24°F | 2.5" |
| April | 72°F | 39°F | 2.8" |
| July | 87°F | 62°F | 1.5" |
| October | 67°F | 42°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Columbia faces the following natural hazards:
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Missouri River flooding.
Summer heat waves.
New Madrid Seismic Zone with earthquake risk.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4%
- Sales Tax: 8.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.97% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Columbia is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO, US?
The cost of living index in Columbia is 92, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Columbia?
The median home price in Columbia is $260,000. The housing index is 95.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Columbia is approximately $1050/mo.
Does Columbia, MO have income tax?
Columbia is in MO, which has an income tax rate of 4%.
What is the climate like in Columbia?
Columbia enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 87°F, while winter lows can drop to around 24°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.