Cost of Living in Columbus, OH
Population 906,480 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
As one of the larger cities in Ohio, Columbus carries the economic weight typical of a major metro — diversified employment, a broader housing market, and household incomes around $65,327 that reflect a mix of high and low earners.
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 $234,500 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,224/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,327/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 63.0°F and lows of 43.9°F, with about 28.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Columbus has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 37 | 41 | 51 | 64 | 74 | 82 | 85 | 84 | 78 | 66 | 52 | 42 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 62 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 27 |
| Precip" | 3.00 | 2.41 | 3.62 | 3.85 | 3.99 | 4.33 | 4.67 | 3.74 | 3.14 | 2.90 | 2.79 | 3.13 |
| Snow" | 9.5 | 7.6 | 4.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 5.1 |
💨 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, OH?
Columbus has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Columbus, OH?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $1,224 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $234,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus is $65,327 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Columbus, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Columbus is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Columbus, OH affordable?
Yes, Columbus is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Columbus?
Columbus has average high temperatures of 63.0°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.6". Average annual snowfall is 28.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Columbus at a Glance
- Population
- 906,480
- Median Income
- $65,327
- Home Value
- $234,500
- Median Rent
- $1,224/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
Nearby Cities
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Ohio Rankings
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