Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Allen, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Columbus is 39% cheaper than Allen.

$1,224/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 53%
$65,327/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 98%
$234,500 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 83%
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 68%
906,480
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $63,803/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Allen — common questions

Is Columbus or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Allen?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Allen?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $63,803/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

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