Columbia, Missouri | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros

Located between Kansas City and St. Louis, Columbia offers travel nurses a friendly midwestern community with a vibrant college-town feel, strong hospital systems, and affordable living. It’s home to the University of Missouri, giving it a lively downtown scene, great healthcare facilities, and plenty to do on your days off — all without the big-city price tag.

💰 Cost of Living

Columbia’s cost of living is around 10% lower than the U.S. average, making it one of Missouri’s more affordable mid-sized cities.

• Overall cost of living index: ~90 (U.S. = 100)BestPlaces

• Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: ~$1,000/month

• Housing costs are about 20% below the national average

Summary: Columbia offers a strong value for travel nurses. The housing market is affordable, utilities are reasonable, and most daily expenses are below national averages.

🌤️ Weather by Month

Columbia has a four-season climate with cold winters, warm summers, and pleasant spring and fall months. Perfect for outdoor exploring.

Month	Avg High	Avg Low	Description
January	~40°F	~22°F	❄ Cold, occasional snow
February	~44°F	~25°F	Still chilly, some sunny days
March	~56°F	~35°F	🌱 Spring blooms begin
April	~67°F	~44°F	🌼 Mild and comfortable
May	~75°F	~55°F	☀ Warm and pleasant
June	~84°F	~64°F	🌤 Summer heat arrives
July	~88°F	~68°F	🔥 Hottest month
August	~87°F	~66°F	🌥 Warm, humid
September	~80°F	~57°F	🍂 Cooler nights
October	~68°F	~46°F	🍁 Crisp and mild
November	~55°F	~35°F	🌬 Cool and dry
December	~44°F	~26°F	❄ Cold, short days

🛏️ Furnished Housing Options

Columbia has great furnished rental availability for short-term stays and travel nurses.

• Furnished Rentals – Columbia, MO (Travel Nurse Housing)Local listings for furnished rooms, apartments, and houses.Travel Nurse Housing

• Monthly Rentals – Columbia, MO (Furnished Finder)Over 100+ listings, often with private entrances and full amenities.Furnished Finder

• Furnished Apartments – Columbia, MO (Apartments.com)Search fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms.Apartments.com

Tip: Look near the downtown area, University of Missouri Hospital, or Boone Health for easy commutes.

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

If you prefer hotel-style living or need a place to land before your housing starts, Columbia has multiple extended stay options:

• Extended Stay America – Columbia – Stadium BlvdKitchenettes, on-site laundry, and weekly or monthly rates.Extended Stay America

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott – ColumbiaSpacious suites with full kitchens, gym, and free breakfast.TownePlace Suites

• Candlewood Suites – Columbia Hwy 63 & I-70Extended stay hotel with full kitchens, pet-friendly rooms, and free laundry.Candlewood Suites

Tip: Extended stay hotels in Columbia often offer discounted rates for 30+ nights. Be sure to ask about nurse or corporate rates when booking.

🚐 RV Parks & Campgrounds

RV life is easy in Columbia with several long-term friendly parks:

• Cottonwoods RV ParkHighly rated, family and pet-friendly with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry.Cottonwoods RV Park

• Pine Grove Homes & RV CommunityYear-round park offering full hookups and quiet surroundings.Pine Grove Homes & RV Community

• Katfish Katy’s Campground & StoreA scenic, laid-back campground west of town near the Missouri River.Katfish Katy’s

🎉 Things to Do in Columbia

• Explore Rock Bridge Memorial State Park with its trails and caves.

• Walk through The District, Columbia’s vibrant downtown with shops and local restaurants.

• Visit Stephens Lake Park for walking trails, paddleboarding, or summer concerts.

• Catch a Mizzou Tigers game or enjoy the university’s events and cultural scene.

• Relax at a local brewery or coffee shop — Columbia has a growing craft scene.

🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips

• Lake of the Ozarks – 1.5 hours south for boating, swimming, and relaxation.

• Hermann, MO – 1 hour east for wineries and historic charm.

• Kansas City or St. Louis – 2 hours either direction for big-city dining and entertainment.

⏳ Summary

Columbia is an excellent location for travel nurses seeking a balance of affordability, community, and adventure. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong healthcare employers, and access to both city and outdoor life, it’s a rewarding assignment stop.

✅ Affordable cost of living

✅ Ample furnished rentals and RV options

✅ Fun downtown with strong healthcare community

⚠️ Book early during university semesters for best housing availability

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.