Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Columbus, OH

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

11.4% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
28.3% 28.3% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.3% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
96
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 8.0% more
Salt Lake City
88
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1059311.4% less
Housing1208628.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,10018.5% less
Median Home Price$475,000$260,00045.3% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare96942.1% less
Utilities88958.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Columbus, OH
State Income Tax4.65%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.10%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Columbus905,748

Moving from Salt Lake City to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 28.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Columbus?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Columbus?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Ohio averages 1.41%.