Median rent is 36% lower in Columbia ($1,067/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $268,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $64,488 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 102.4 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Austin is 4% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 102.4 in Columbia (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Columbia, MO
How much would you need to earn in Columbia, MO to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Columbia, MO
$77,739
You'd need $2,739 more (4% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Columbia
Missouri
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbia — median rent of $1,067/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 36% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $268,300 in Columbia — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Missouri tops out at 4.80% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.22% in Missouri; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Columbia
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 102.4).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,067/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Austin cheaper than Columbia?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 102.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Columbia?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,067/mo in Columbia, MO. Columbia, MO has the lower rent by about 36%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Columbia?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $64,488 in Columbia, MO. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Columbia?
Texas has no state income tax. Missouri has a top rate of 4.80%.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $103,652 in Columbia, MO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology