2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Columbia, IL vs Owensboro, KY

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Owensboro or is it cheaper to live in Columbia?
- Owensboro is 10.2% less expensive than Columbia.

Which city has more affordable housing, Owensboro or Columbia?
- Owensboro housing costs are 32.3% less expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Columbia or is Health Care more affordable in Owensboro.
- Health related expenses are 28.8% more in Owensboro.
 Columbia, ILOwensboro, KYUnited States
 Overall  Unlock81.7100
 Food & Groceries98.9  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock122.9100
 Housing74.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$183,200$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.1100
 Miscellaneous139.1  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Columbia    3 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I actually live in the next town over, but work full-time in Columbia, and it's a really nice town. It is the walking-est city I have ever seen; people enjoy riding  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Columbia,Illinois has to be the most stuck up and unfriendly little one horse town i've ever lived in . People here feel that if you weren't born and raised here  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Columbia, Illinois is located at the northern tip of Monroe County in Southwestern Illinois only about 12 miles from downtown St. Louis. 20 miles from Scott Air Force  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbia

Reviews for Owensboro    20 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

Don’t let the small town feel fool ya... Poverty level is 20.4%, that is higher than the national average of 13.4. Cost of electricity is highest in the state per  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

I live outside of owensboro,coming from a large city to here...Love the peace and  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

Mark Calitri said that Owensboro is experiencing a true revitalization. Bluegrass, bourbon, barbecue is the brand message or better known as a brand promise and that  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Owensboro


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.