Salary & Cost of Living in Columbia, MO
Columbia, MO: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 88, $13.75/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$13.75
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Columbia, MO Overview
Population
126,254
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$240,000
Median Rent
$1,000/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
8.48%
Columbia is located in Missouri with a population of 126,254. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Columbia Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Columbia, MO, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$43,646
$3,637.17/month · $1,678.69/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.6%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$2,585
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$43,646
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| Missouri State Tax (4.7%) | -$215.42 | -$2,585.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,637.17 | $43,646.00 |
Salary Comparison: Columbia vs Other Cities
See how Columbia's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | $55,000 | 88 | $62,500 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Columbia
Columbia's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Columbia is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$240,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,000
Annual Rent Cost
$12,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $43,646 annual take-home pay in Columbia has the purchasing power of approximately $49,598 in an average-cost US area. Your $55,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Columbia
Columbia's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Columbia Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Columbia has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $55,000 here has the purchasing power of about $62,500 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Columbia's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Columbia, MO?
The median salary in Columbia, MO is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO?
Columbia's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $240,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,000.
What are the best industries in Columbia?
The top industries in Columbia, MO include Education, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Columbia's salary compare to other cities?
Columbia's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $62,500.
What is the minimum wage in Columbia, MO?
The minimum wage in Columbia, MO is $13.75 per hour. This equals approximately $28,600 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $6.50 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.