Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Columbus is 13% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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