Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Columbus is 13% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $65,187 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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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