Cost of Living in Columbia, IL

Population 11,063 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Columbia a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $290,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Columbia sits roughly 12 miles south of St. Louis. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than St. Louis' $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 95

Rent 83

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Columbia

The median home value in Columbia is $290,100 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,089/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,922/year is 45% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Columbia has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$290,100

5% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$334,831

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,089/mo

17% below avg

Price-to-Rent Ratio

22.2x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

2.2%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$651

1 BR

$741

2 BR

$899

3 BR

$1,196

4 BR

$1,364

Owner-occupied 81.9%

Renter-occupied 18.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,089

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,703/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

27.3 min

1% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

12.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

84.1%

Carpooled

2.6%

Walked

0.5%

Work from home

12.1%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 6.3%

Avg local rate 2.5%

Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$107,922

45% above avg

Per Capita Income

$52,647

Unemployment Rate

1.0%

80% below avg

Poverty Rate

5.0%

Labor Force Participation

72.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.9%

Graduate degree 21.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.9

Male median age 37.9

Female median age 41.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Columbia, IL?

Columbia has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.

What is average rent in Columbia, IL?

The median gross rent in Columbia is $1,089 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Columbia?

The median home value in Columbia is $290,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Columbia?

The median household income in Columbia is $107,922 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Columbia, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbia is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Columbia, IL affordable?

Columbia is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).

Columbia at a Glance

Population: 11,063
Median Income: $107,922
Home Value: $290,100
Median Rent: $1,089/mo
Unemployment: 1.0%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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