Moving from Provo to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 88 vs 99 for Provo (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$167/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9988
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,250
per month
State tax
4.7%4.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,447$4,447
per month
Salary needed in Columbia to match your Provo lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Provo | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,556 |
| $50K | $44,444 |
| $60K | $53,333 |
| $75K | $66,667 |
| $80K | $71,111 |
| $100K | $88,889 |
| $120K | $106,667 |
| $150K | $133,333 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Provo vs Columbia
| Expense | Provo | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $62 | $45 |
| Utilities | $148 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,402 | $2,569 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than Provo?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 vs 99 for Provo (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Provo to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from Provo to Columbia could save roughly $167/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,004/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Provo lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Provo, you'd need roughly $66,667/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbia to ProvoProvo vs Columbia — full comparisonProvo cost of livingColumbia cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only