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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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.

13.1% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
18.1% 18.1% cheaper housing
7.7% 7.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.1% cheaper
Chicago
105
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Chicago
104
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 14.0% cheaper
Chicago
114
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.7% cheaper
Chicago
103
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 5.9% cheaper
Chicago
101
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1079313.1% less
Housing1058618.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,10035.3% less
Median Home Price$310,000$260,00016.1% less
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation1149814.0% less
Healthcare103948.7% less
Utilities101955.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Columbus, OH
State Income Tax4.95%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Columbus905,748

Moving from Chicago to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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 Chicago 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 18.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $600 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Columbus?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Columbus?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Ohio averages 1.41%.