Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Columbus, OH (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

Austin is 51% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,655/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 26%
$91,461/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 29%
$512,700 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 54%
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
967,862
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $26,134/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Columbus — common questions

Is Austin or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Columbus?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Columbus?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $26,134/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,224/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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