Moving from St. Louis to Columbia (2026)
Columbia has a COL index of 88 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Columbia to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Columbia |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,460 |
| $50K | $50,575 |
| $60K | $60,690 |
| $75K | $75,862 |
| $80K | $80,920 |
| $100K | $101,149 |
| $120K | $121,379 |
| $150K | $151,724 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Columbia
| Expense | St. Louis | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $369 | $365 |
| Transport | $75 | $45 |
| Utilities | $162 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,569 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Columbia has a cost of living index of 88 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Columbia?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Columbia saves roughly $50/month on core expenses. That's ~$600/year.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $75,862/year in Columbia. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only