A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
8%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Columbus Ohio National
Cost of living9492100
Goods & Services94100100
Groceries104101100
Health care8598100
Housing9273100
Transportation90100100
Utilities9599100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Columbus, OH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Columbus? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Columbus stands at 94, making it 6% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

In Columbus, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Columbus will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Columbus?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 29 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Columbus. The results indicated that 41% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 59% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Columbus Affordable?

Wondering if Columbus is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Columbus, for example, the median home price is 13.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 4.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Columbus boasting a median household income of $54,902, which is 0.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Columbus?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Columbus starts at 5.75% and the income tax rates start at 0%.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Columbus, the transportation index is 9.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Columbus displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbus is 2% higher than the Ohio average
  • The cost of living in Columbus is 6% lower than the national average
  • Columbus housing is 8% lower than the national average
  • Ohio general sales tax is 13% higher than the national average
  • Ohio state income tax is 6% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Columbus

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Compare Columbus, OH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$76,593$6,383$1,787$2,298
      Renters$41,628$3,469$971$1,249
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Columbus, OH, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Columbus, the median monthly income is $76,593 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,787 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $41,628, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $971 on monthly rental expenses.

      Ohio Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Ohio 5.75% 8%

      Ohio Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Ohio 2.76% 3.99%

      Goods & Services

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.46$24.2611.5%
      Beauty Salon $42.47$45.566.8%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.4%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.282.8%
      Movie $12.00$12.131.1%
      Bowling $19.07$18.005.9%

      Groceries

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.63$5.843.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.6%
      Milk $4.76$4.671.8%
      Potatoes $5.24$4.936.2%
      Pizza $11.49$12.094.9%
      Beer $10.68$10.412.6%

      Health Care

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $65.99$125.6847.5%
      Doctor $117.73$135.7813.3%
      Dentist $89.30$113.2921.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.68$10.650.3%
      Lipitor $475.58$468.601.5%

      Housing

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Home Price $160,000.00$184,700.0013.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,862.49$2,346.6920.6%
      Apartment Rent $989.00$949.004.2%

      Transportation

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.42$3.461.2%
      Tire Balancing $41.79$59.9230.3%

      Utilities

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.76$193.995.8%
      Phone $186.03$192.253.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Orient, OH130955.3%
      Lockbourne, OH1608317.1%
      Urbancrest, OH1,1548515.4%
      Whitehall, OH18,9448614.5%
      Lincoln Village, OH9,5468712.8%
      Columbus, OH889,079946.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fort Worth, TX892,2211055.2%
      Jacksonville, FL902,488982.0%
      San Francisco, CA874,784237137.3%
      Charlotte, NC873,5701087.6%
      Indianapolis, IN869,387936.7%
      Columbus, OH889,079946.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.