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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

25.0% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
44.9% 44.9% cheaper housing
11.1% 11.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 44.9% cheaper
Seattle
156
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 11.1% cheaper
Seattle
108
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Seattle
118
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.5% cheaper
Seattle
110
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 4.4% more
Seattle
91
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1249325.0% less
Housing1568644.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,10046.3% less
Median Home Price$780,000$260,00066.7% less
Groceries1089611.1% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1109414.5% less
Utilities91954.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Columbus, OH
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Columbus905,748

Moving from Seattle to Columbus?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 44.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Columbus?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Columbus?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Columbus?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $520,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Ohio averages 1.41%.