Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Columbus is 16% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) match Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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