Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Columbus is 10% more affordable than Dallas. A $75,000 salary in Dallas is equivalent to $67,718 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Dallas sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $310,000 in Dallas, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,500 in Dallas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Dallas scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Dallas (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $54,747 in Dallas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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