Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Columbus is 33% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,072/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 50%
$56,622/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 44%
$182,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 48%
$1,064/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 45%
204,383
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $25,176/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Columbus or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and South Fulton?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or South Fulton?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $25,176/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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