Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Columbus is 11% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $67,067 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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