Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Columbus is 52% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,224/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 66%
$65,327/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 74%
$234,500 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 197%
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 75%
906,480
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $807/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $9,684/year.

Median household income is $48,311/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Columbus or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Alexandria?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $807/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Alexandria?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $48,311/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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