Can A Paramedic Afford Rent in Columbia, MO?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 35.1% of gross income.
Columbia rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Missouri state estimate).
About rent and a paramedic salary
Paramedic and EMT base pay sits modestly below the US median household income and is often supplemented by overtime. At the national-average paramedic salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,330 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Missouri cities have lower median rent than Columbia, which improves the affordability math on a paramedic salary:
Compare with full rent data for Columbia
View full rent data for Columbia, MO →Frequently asked questions
Can a paramedic afford rent in Columbia, MO?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,430 a month. A typical paramedic in Missouri earns about $48,926 a year, which makes that rent 35.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a paramedic afford in Columbia?
Using the 30% rule, a paramedic salary in Missouri (~$48,926/yr) supports up to $1,223 a month in rent. Columbia's current median rent is $1,430/mo, which is $207/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a paramedic work to cover rent in Columbia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $24 an hour, a paramedic in Missouri works roughly 60.8 hours a month to cover Columbia's median rent of $1,430.
Where is rent cheaper than Columbia for a paramedic?
Nearby Missouri cities with lower median rent include Saint John ($1,429/mo), Republic ($1,429/mo), Raytown ($1,428/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a paramedic salary.