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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Columbus is 13% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,224/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 13%
$65,327/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 13%
$234,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 18%
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 14%
906,480
Population
394,769

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $165/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,980/year.

Median household income is $8,192/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Arlington — common questions

Is Columbus or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Arlington?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $165/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Arlington?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $8,192/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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