Salary Needed to Live in Columbia as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $17,738/year to live comfortably in Columbia, MO — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,738
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$15,341
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$946
12% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Columbia
| Expense | Columbia | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $117 | $113 | +4% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $21 | $17 | +24% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | $14 | -14% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $28 | $26 | +8% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $163 | $211 | -23% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $37 | $53 | -30% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone | $75 | $85 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $264 | $300 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Personal Care | $66 | $75 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $946 | $1,079 | -12% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$946
Target savings (10%):$122/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,068
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,738
Other Household Types in Columbia
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Columbia?
A single person needs approximately $17,738/year ($1,478/month gross) to live comfortably in Columbia with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Columbia?
A studio/1br in Columbia costs approximately $117/month, which is the largest single expense at 12% of the total budget.
Is Columbia affordable for a single person?
Yes, Columbia is 12% more affordable than the national average for a single person.