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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

13.9% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
21.8% 21.8% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.8% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 12.0% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1089313.9% less
Housing1108621.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,10026.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$260,0007.1% less
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare1059410.5% less
Utilities1089512.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Columbus, OH
State Income Tax3.07%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Columbus outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Columbus905,748

Moving from Philadelphia to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 21.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Columbus?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Columbus?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Ohio averages 1.41%.