Moving to Columbia MO in 2023? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Columbia, MO.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Columbia, MO.

Is moving to Columbia Missouri right for you?

Columbia is one of the fastest growing cities in Missouri and most of the city’s residents are millennials.

The city’s booming job market, low housing cost and affordable cost of living makes it one of the best places to live in Missouri.

If you’re considering moving to Columbia and wondering if the city is right for you. This guide contains all the things you need to know to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Columbia Missouri is right for you.

facts of Columbia, MO

Quick facts to know before moving to Columbia, MO

  • The median age is 28 years for males and 28.8 years for females
  • Columbia’s average one-way commute time takes 16.5 minutes
  • Columbia’s summer high in July is around 88 degrees
  • The average income tax in Missouri is 0% - 5.40%
  • Columbia’s average annual pay for average jobs is $46,967
  • Around 47.6% of Columbia’s residents are renters
  • Columbia has one of the most flourishing job markets in Missouri

Should I move to Columbia Missouri?

Moving to Columbia Missouri can be a great idea. There are numerous reasons to love living in Columbia. The city has a top-notch educational system, cutting-edge medical facilities, a ton of entertainment options, a low cost of living, a clean environment, and much, much more.

Is Columbia MO a good place to retire?

Columbia is a great area to retire, with a variety of golf courses, local artisan shops and galleries, and more than 100 dining options. Most importantly, Columbia gives seniors safe housing, affordable living, and easy access to healthcare.

Is Missouri a good place to live?

Missouri is a wonderful place to call home and offers amenities for everyone. Urban places, rural areas, culture, the outdoors, sports, delicious food, and much more. Everyone obviously couldn't live here and keep the balance of tranquility, chaos, and adventure. But traveling is a different matter.

What are winters like in Columbia MO?

Due to its interior continental location, Columbia, Missouri, has mildly cold winters and hot, frequently humid summers. The winter months often include a few days with temperatures below zero, however there have been numerous winters where the temperature did not get that low.

Is Columbia Missouri a small town?

It's a decent-sized city, Columbia. neither too tiny nor too large. With all the amenities, it feels like a tiny town! There are many unique stores and restaurants in the downtown, often known as the "District," which is a wonderful location to hang out.

What’s the population of Columbia, MO?

Located in Boone County Missouri, the population of Columbia is 129,804 people. Columbia is also the county seat of Boone County and spreads across 66 miles. The following is a quick breakdown of the city’s population since you’re considering moving to Columbia, MO:

  • Columbia’s population is currently growing at a rate of 1.39% annually
  • Columbia’s median age is 28.5 years
  • The median age is 28 years for males and 28.8 years for females
  • Columbia has a population density of 1,980 people per square mile

How fast can you commute in Columbia, MO?

Columbia’s average one-way commute time takes 16.5 minutes. That’s shorter than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll most likely spend less than 20 minutes commuting to work if you move to Columbia. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how most of Columbia’s residents commute to work:

  • About 76.4% of Columbia residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 10.2% of Columbia residents carpool with others
  • Up to 4.1% of Columbia residents work from home
  • About 1.6 % of Columbia residents take mass transit

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What’s the weather like in Columbia, MO?

Columbia averages 192 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Columbia, the following are key stats to consider:

  • Columbia’s summer high in July is around 88 degrees
  • Columbia gets 44 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Columbia gets 16 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Columbia’s winter low in January is 21 degrees
  • Columbia gets 110 days of precipitation every year

moving to Columbia

Top 10 reasons to move to Columbia, MO

Why are people moving to Columbia Missouri? There are many reasons why CoMo keeps attracting millennials from everywhere across America and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Columbia, here are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Affordable real estate
  • Columbia is a college town
  • You’ll enjoy the local cuisines
  • Booming job market
  • There’s music for everyone in Columbia
  • There’s so much to do and explore outdoors
  • Eat farm to table with ease
  • Columbia is a bike-friendly city
  • You’ll enjoy all four seasons in Columbia
  • Charming atmosphere and spacious neighborhoods
Columbia pros and cons

Pros & Cons of moving to Columbia, MO

If you’d like to find out if moving to Columbia is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to get a better idea about the city and to figure out if moving to Columbia is right for you or not.

Pros of living in Columbia Cons of living in Columbia
Columbia MO has a reliable public transportation systemColumbians aren’t so friendly
Columbia MO is a city of millennialsThere are lots of complaints about the city’s police department
Columbia MO is known for its small-town vibe with big-city amenitiesColumbia is a small city that isn’t close to any big city
Columbia has one of the most flourishing job marketsColumbia has a high crime rate
The cost of living in Columbia MO is lower than the U.S. averageThe weather isn’t so friendly in Columbia
Columbia has much to offer in terms of homegrown businessesYou’ll need a car to get around Columbia
place to live Columbia MO

Best places to live in if you move to Columbia, MO

Columbia Missouri is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Columbia gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods. If you’re moving to Columbia and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in the city:

  • Thornbrook
  • Cedar Lake / Bedford Walk
  • The Cascades
  • Old Hawthorne / Cedar Grove
  • Pierpont
  • Spring Valley / Country Woods
  • Katy Lake Estates
  • Historic Old Southwest / College Park
  • Stonecrest
  • Rothwell Heights / Southwest Hills

Tip:When you’ve got a home to move in Columbia Missouri, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

cost of living in Columbia MO

Cost of living in Columbia, Missouri

Columbia’s cost of living is lower than the U.S. average. The cost of living in Columbia is 87.9 the U.S. average is 100.

This means that Columbia’s cost of living is 12.1% lower than the national average. The following are key metrics that make up Columbia’s cost of living:

Living Expense Columbia Missouri National Average
Overall87.985.9100
Grocery98.394.9100
Health100.697.6100
Housing78.969100
Median Home Cost$229,500$194,000$291,700
Utilities97.298.5100
Transportation73.886.2100

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Columbia’s housing market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Columbia, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market to make the right decisions. Let’s find out if buying a home is right for you if you’re moving to Columbia, MO:

  • Columbia’s median home cost is $229,500
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Columbia have risen by 41.0%
  • Currently, Columbia’s home values have appreciated by 12.6%
  • Around 47.6% of Columbia’s residents are renters
  • Up to 4.2% of homes and apartments in Columbia are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Columbia, MO?

Columbia’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Columbia Mo, look at the average rental prices below:

  • The average rent of a studio apartment in Columbia is $627
  • Columbia’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $684
  • Columbia’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $836
  • Columbia’s average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,121
  • Columbia’s average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,326
jobs in Columbia mo

What’s the job market like in Columbia, Missouri?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Columbia? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Columbia wasn’t left out.

Since you’re considering moving to Columbia, MO here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Columbia’s unemployment rate is 3.0%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
  • Columbia’s job growth has been positive so far
  • Columbia’s future job growth is projected to hit 26.83%
  • Recent job growth in Columbia is lower than the U.S.

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The Most In-Demand Jobs in Columbia, MO

If you’re interested in getting a job after moving to Columbia, you should consider the most in-demand jobs in the city. While the city has a booming job market, the most in-demand jobs are the ones that requires more employees now. The following is a list of the most in-demand jobs in the city if you’re moving to Columbia, MO:

Rank Job Title Open Jobs Average Salary
1Nurse555$45,021
2Sales Associate508$34,710
3Physician493$199,081
4Registered Nurse478$56,610
5Server252$22,270
6Licensed Practical Nurse229$42,364
7Customer Service Representative220$27,188
8Assistant Manager187$29,783
9Shift Supervisor183$34,350
10Delivery Driver179$36,787

What are the top career options in Columbia, MO?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Columbia, MO. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in the city if you’re moving to Columbia, MO:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
1Pulmonologist$287,885$139,000
2Assistant Professor of Surgery$287,293$131,000
3Pulmonary Physician$275,780$134,000
4Hospitalist$259,002$160,000
5Psychiatrist$243,691$138,000
6General Internist$224,998$129,000
7Hospitalist Physician$220,923$126,000
8Internal Medicine Physician$219,710$117,000
9Assistant Professor of Medicine$205,213$99,000
10Physician$199,081$112,000

Best companies to work for if you move to Columbia MO

Columbia is home to various businesses and companies. Moving to Columbia opens the opportunity to work for any of these businesses and organizations. We’ve made a list of the ten best companies to work for in the city since you’re considering moving to Columbia, MO:

  • University of Missouri System
  • Mizzou
  • MU Health Care
  • Shelter Insurance
  • Veterans United Home Loans
  • Mortgage Research Center
  • Columbia College
  • MFA Incorporated
  • MBS Textbook Exchange
  • The Landrum Company, Inc.

What is the average salary if you move to Columbia MO?

Moving to Columbia could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Columbia’s average annual pay for average jobs is $46,967
  • Columbia’s average hourly pay is $22.58 per hour
  • Columbia’s average weekly pay is $903 per week
  • Columbia’s average monthly payment is $3193 per month

Top Industries in Columbia, MO

Similar to several other large cities, Columbia’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Columbia. The following is a list of Columbia’s largest industries:

  • Educational Services
  • Health Care & Social Assistance
  • Retail Trade
  • Management of Companies & Enterprises
  • Mining and Quarrying
  • Oil & Gas Extraction
  • Utilities
taxes in Missouri

How much will you be paying in taxes in Missouri?

If you’re moving to Columbia from out of state, Taxes could be a key part of your key consideration before moving to Columbia Missouri.

Here we’ve collated key information about the state’s taxes to give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Columbia:

  • The average income tax in Missouri is 0% - 5.40%
  • Sales taxes in Missouri range from 4.225% - 10.35%
  • The average effective property tax rate in Missouri is 0.93%
  • Gas tax is 17.00 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline
Columbia mo things to do

Best things to do if you move to Columbia, MO

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Detroit. If you’re moving to Detroit, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit. The following are the best things to do in the city if you’re moving to Columbia, Missouri:

  • Explore the City's Charming Streets on Foot
  • Hang Out Like a Local at David R. Francis Quadrangle
  • Enjoy a Range of Outdoor Activities at Stephens Lake Park
  • Browse through the Fascinating Artifacts at the Museum of Art and Archaeology
  • See the Devil's Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
  • Bask in the Tranquil Surroundings at Shelter Gardens
  • Witness Amazing Exhibitions and Displays at Columbia Art League
  • Go for a Hike at the Grindstone Nature Area
  • View Amazing Wildlife at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
  • Ride ATVs and Dirtbikes at Finger Lakes State Park
  • Try Columbia's Finest Wines and Beers
  • Spend a Day in the Great Outdoors at Cosmo Park
  • Participate in Columbia's Exciting Festivals

What is the crime rate in Columbia, MO?

Is Columbia a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Columbia has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about Columbia’s crime rates:

  • The violent crime rate in Columbia is 26.7. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Columbia is 45.8 The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have 1 in a 226.1 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have 1 in a 45.8 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Statistic Count Raw Columbia/ 100k People Missouri/ 100k People National/ 100k People
Total Crimes Per 100K3,8783,106.63,073.72,346.0
Murder1310.411.86.5
Robbery5846.574.473.9
Aggravated Assault392314.0413.3279.7
Violent Crime552442.2542.7387.8
Burglary404323.6378.8314.2
Larceny2,4781,985.11,759.11,398.0
Car Theft444355.7393.2246.0
Property Crime3,3262,664.42,531.01,958.2
schools in Columbia mo

Best Schools & Universities in Columbia MO

Columbia MO is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Columbia, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Columbia:

Top 5 Public Elementary Schools in Columbia Missouri

  • Midway Heights Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 212 students, Rating: 7/10

  • John Ridgeway Elementary School
    Public, K-5 | 234 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Russell Blvd. Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 421 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 314 students, Rating: 7/10

  • Mill Creek Elementary School
    Public, PK-5 | 660 students, Rating: 7/10

Top 5 Public Middle Schools in Columbia Missouri

  • Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 925 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Jefferson Jr. High School
    Public, 6-8 | 669 students, Rating: 8/10

  • West Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 637 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Smithton Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 718 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Oakland Middle School
    Public, 6-8 | 541 students, Rating: 8/10

Best Public High Schools in Columbia, MO

  • Rock Bridge Senior High School
    Public, PK, 9-12 | 1,997 students, Rating: 8/10

  • David H. Hickman High School
    Public, PK, 9-12 | 1,725 students, Rating: 8/10

  • Muriel Battle High School
    Public, PK, 9-12 | 1,479 students, Rating: 8/10

Top Colleges and Universities in Columbia, MO

  • University of Missouri

  • William Woods University

  • Central Methodist University

  • Westminster College - Missouri

  • Columbia College – Missouri

  • Lincoln University - Missouri

  • Stephens College

  • Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies

  • St. Mary’s Health

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