Salary Needed to Live in Columbia as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $24,677/year to live comfortably in Columbia, MO — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$24,677
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$20,676
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,275
12% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Columbia
| Expense | Columbia | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $142 | $137 | +4% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $32 | $27 | +19% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $16 | $19 | -16% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $37 | $35 | +6% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $163 | $211 | -23% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $37 | $53 | -30% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone (×2) | $123 | $140 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $396 | $450 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $158 | $180 | -12% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $114 | $130 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $1,275 | $1,447 | -12% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,275
Target savings (12%):$208/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,483
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$24,677
Other Household Types in Columbia
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Columbia?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $24,677/year ($2,056/month gross) to live comfortably in Columbia with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Columbia?
A 1-2br apartment in Columbia costs approximately $142/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Columbia affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Columbia is 12% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).