Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Columbus, OH

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

31.1% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
50.0% 50.0% cheaper housing
12.7% 12.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.0% cheaper
Boston
172
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 12.7% cheaper
Boston
110
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 18.3% cheaper
Boston
115
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 15.2% cheaper
Boston
112
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1359331.1% less
Housing1728650.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,10057.7% less
Median Home Price$700,000$260,00062.9% less
Groceries1109612.7% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159418.3% less
Utilities1129515.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Columbus, OH
State Income Tax9.00% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Boston675,647
Columbus905,748

Moving from Boston to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 50.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $1,500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Columbus?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Columbus?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $440,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Ohio averages 1.41%.