Home › Compare › Austin, TX vs Columbus, OH

Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Columbus, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.7% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
27.1% 27.1% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.1% cheaper
Austin
118
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.1% cheaper
Austin
97
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 4.0% cheaper
Austin
99
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index103939.7% less
Housing1188627.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,10024.1% less
Median Home Price$425,000$260,00038.8% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare97943.1% less
Utilities99954.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Columbus, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Columbus costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Columbus to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Austin979,882
Columbus905,748

Moving from Austin to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Columbus → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Columbus →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Columbus vs Portland → Columbus vs Phoenix → Columbus vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Columbus cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 27.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Columbus?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Columbus?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $64,000 in Columbus. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Ohio averages 1.41%.