Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Boston is 155% more expensive than Columbus.

$2,093/mo ↑ 95%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 49%
$94,755/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 40%
$710,400 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 74%
$2,176/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 51%
663,972
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,021/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $12,252/year.

Median household income is $38,133/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Columbus — common questions

Is Boston or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Columbus?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $1,021/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Columbus?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $38,133/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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