Cost of living in Columbia
Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant city known for its educational institutions and cultural attractions. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14 on average, with a range between $12 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $43 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $7, imported beer $5 to $6.5, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.9 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.17.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $7.72, with an average price of $3.21.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.69, averaging $2.71.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.55 to $7.72 per kg, while oranges range from $2.65 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.88 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - Public transport ticket prices are currently unavailable.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $0.86 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $0.99 to $1.43 per km and $20 to $25 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $800 to $1200, averaging $850.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $600 to $1200, averaging $700.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1100 to $3400, averaging $1840.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1750, averaging $1475.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1969.8 to $1981, averaging $1973.53.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1722.23 to $1981, averaging $1844.36.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $159.38 and $300, averaging $182.59.
- Internet - Internet services range from $59 to $85, with an average cost of $66.5.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Columbia, MO offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out is affordable, with a variety of options ranging from inexpensive meals to mid-range dining experiences.
Transportation costs are low, particularly for gasoline, making it an economical choice for car owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Columbia, MO presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options. The city is an attractive option for those seeking a moderate lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger cities.
Potential residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with reasonable expenses, making it a desirable location for families, students, and professionals alike.