Columbus, IN

Below Avg · 78

Indiana · Population 51,104 · Updated March 2026

$1,135
Median Rent / Month
$76,856
Median Income
$231,000
Median Home Value
$1,156
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Columbus

17.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Indiana

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.05%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.0%
Sales Tax
0.83%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,620
Annual Rent
$2,344
State Income Tax
$1,917
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Columbus is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 78 (where 100 equals the national median), Columbus residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,135/month while earning a median household income of $76,856/year.

The median home value in Columbus, IN is $231,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,156 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Indiana has a moderate income tax rate of 3.05%. Combined with a 7.0% sales tax rate and 0.83% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Columbus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Columbus

What is the cost of living in Columbus, IN?
The cost of living index in Columbus, IN is 78 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,135, median household income is $76,856/year, and the median home value is $231,000.
Is Columbus, IN affordable?
Yes, Columbus is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 78. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Columbus, IN?
The median gross rent in Columbus, IN is $1,135 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,620.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, IN is $76,856 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Indiana?
Indiana has a top income tax rate of 3.05%, a sales tax of 7.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.83%.