Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Columbus is 15% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $63,991 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 Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
Amazon affiliate links