Cost of Living in Columbus, IN
Population 51,104 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Columbus lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $231,000 — 24% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Indiana.
Located 40 miles south of Indianapolis city (balance), Columbus falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Indianapolis city (balance)'s $207,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Columbus
The median home value in Columbus is $231,000 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,135/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,856/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Columbus has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Columbus, IN?
Columbus has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbus, IN?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $1,135 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $231,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus is $76,856 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbus, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbus is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Columbus, IN affordable?
Yes, Columbus is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
Columbus at a Glance
- Population
- 51,104
- Median Income
- $76,856
- Home Value
- $231,000
- Median Rent
- $1,135/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs