Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Columbus is 14% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $64,583 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Columbus sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $240,000 in Columbus, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in Columbus.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Columbus scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Columbus (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $56,590 in Columbus. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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