What is the cost of living in Columbus?

The cost of living in Columbus is 47.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 52.3). Groceries are 20.9% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 21.9% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,544 per month. Local purchasing power index is 136.9 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 OH, United States · #119 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Columbus?

Q: Should I move to Columbus?

Columbus, OH, United States has a cost of living 47.7% cheaper than New York City (index: 52.3). It is ranked #119 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 136.9 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

47.7% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-47.7%

vs NYC

USD 1,544

1-BR, city centre

136.9

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Columbus?

Cost breakdown: Columbus

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

52.3 Expensive

Rent

31.5 Very affordable

Groceries

79.1 Above average

Restaurants

78.1 Above average

Purchasing Power

136.9 Very strong

Rent in Columbus

1-BR, city centre USD 1,544/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,103/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,354/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,866/mo

Save by going outside centre 29% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Cincinnati

OH, United States

CoL index 50.7

Compare Cincinnati vs Columbus →

🇺🇸 Cleveland

OH, United States

CoL index 47.6

Compare Cleveland vs Columbus →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Columbus after tax, in seconds.

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