Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Columbus is 8% more affordable than Las Vegas. A $75,000 salary in Las Vegas is equivalent to $69,059 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Las Vegas sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Las Vegas, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,400 in Las Vegas.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Las Vegas scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) match Las Vegas (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $56,415 in Las Vegas. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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