Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Columbus is 13% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,072/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 11%
$56,622/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 4%
$182,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 18%
$1,064/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 5%
204,383
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $2,094/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Peoria — common questions

Is Columbus or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Peoria?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Peoria?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $2,094/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Peoria

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo