Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

Chicago is 20% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,380/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 11%
$75,134/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 13%
$315,200 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 26%
$1,502/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 17%
2,707,648
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $9,807/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Columbus — common questions

Is Chicago or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Columbus?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Columbus?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $9,807/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
View Chicago details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

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