Columbia, MO vs St. Louis, MO: Cost of Living Comparison
St. Louis has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Columbia | St. Louis | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 86 | 72 | St. Louis |
| Housing | 77 ($747) | 53 ($685) | St. Louis |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Columbia |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 74 ($303) | St. Louis |
| Utilities | 89 ($139) | 77 ($95) | St. Louis |
| Healthcare | 89 ($100) | 77 ($69) | St. Louis |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,800) | 99 ($47,800) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia, MO or St. Louis, MO cheaper to live in?
St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall by about 14 index points (Columbia, MO: 86, St. Louis, MO: 72; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, MO vs St. Louis, MO?
A single adult needs roughly $30,100/year in Columbia, MO and $25,200/year in St. Louis, MO to cover basic living costs.