Median rent is 23% lower in Columbia ($1,067/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $268,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $64,488 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 105.7 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Columbia is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 102.4 in Columbia vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Columbia, MO
How much would you need to earn in Columbia, MO to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Columbia, MO
$72,668
You could earn $2,332 less (3% 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
Chicago
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Columbia — median rent of $1,067/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 23% difference. Median home values are within 15% of each other: $315,200 in Chicago and $268,300 in Columbia.
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).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Columbia
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Columbia.
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.4 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,067/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Columbia?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Columbia?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,067/mo in Columbia, MO. Columbia, MO has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Columbia?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $64,488 in Columbia, MO. Chicago, 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 — Chicago 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 Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $96,890 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