Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Columbus is 16% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $62,838 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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