Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Columbus is 7% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $69,750 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 Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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