Median rent is 6% lower in Bloomington ($1,004/mo vs $1,067/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bloomington, where the median home runs $198,800 versus $268,300. Households earn more in Bloomington ($75,449 vs $64,488 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 102.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Bloomington, IL.
City A
Bloomington, IL
City B
Columbia, MO
How much would you need to earn in Columbia, MO to maintain your standard of living from Bloomington, IL?
Equivalent salary in Columbia, MO
$74,838
You could earn $162 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Bloomington
Illinois
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Bloomington at $1,004/mo compared to $1,067/mo in Columbia (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Columbia: the median home is $268,300 versus $198,800 in Bloomington — 26% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.80% in Missouri, so Columbia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.22% in Missouri; Columbia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bloomington
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Columbia
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,449/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Bloomington cheaper than Columbia?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Bloomington vs Columbia?
Median rent is $1,004/mo in Bloomington, IL and $1,067/mo in Columbia, MO. Bloomington, IL has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Bloomington or Columbia?
Median household income is $75,449 in Bloomington, IL and $64,488 in Columbia, MO. Bloomington, IL 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 — Bloomington or Columbia?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Missouri's is 4.80%. Columbia, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Columbia to match my Bloomington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bloomington, IL is equivalent to roughly $99,784 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