Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Housing in Chicago runs about 26% above Columbus, but Chicago earns more at the median (13% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference — the standard tradeoff between cost and earnings that shapes most US city-to-city moves.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$234,500 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$243,005
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,224/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
44.3%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
16.0x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$65,327
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$37,189
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.1% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
17.9%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
23.5 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
70.1%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.1%
Work From Home %
18.3%
16.1%
State Income Tax
5.0%
3.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
7.2% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.6%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
24.1%
Median Age
35.7
33
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
63.0°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
41.6"
Annual Snowfall
—
28.2"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Columbus, OH 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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