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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

8.8% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
20.4% 20.4% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.4% cheaper
Dallas
108
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Dallas
97
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.1% cheaper
Dallas
98
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 8.7% cheaper
Dallas
104
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index102938.8% less
Housing1088620.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,10021.4% less
Median Home Price$340,000$260,00023.5% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare98944.1% less
Utilities104958.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Columbus905,748

Moving from Dallas to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 20.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Columbus?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Ohio averages 1.41%.