Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Columbus is 19% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $60,652 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Eugene sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Eugene, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,400 in Eugene.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Eugene scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Eugene (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $49,448 in Eugene. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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