Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Columbus is 12% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,802 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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