Home › Compare › Denver, CO vs Columbus, OH

Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

17.0% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
34.8% 34.8% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.8% cheaper
Denver
132
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Denver
101
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 6.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 9.6% cheaper
Denver
104
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Denver
96
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1129317.0% less
Housing1328634.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,10032.1% less
Median Home Price$540,000$260,00051.9% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation105986.7% less
Healthcare104949.6% less
Utilities9695~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Columbus, OH
State Income Tax4.40%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Denver713,252
Columbus905,748

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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 Denver 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 34.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $520 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Columbus?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Columbus?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $280,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Ohio averages 1.41%.