Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Columbus is 24% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $56,707 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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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