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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Columbus is 59% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,224/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 86%
$65,327/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 115%
$234,500 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 269%
$1,243/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 94%
906,480
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $74,833/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

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 203 (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 $2,275/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Arlington?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $74,833/year higher in Arlington.
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 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 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Arlington details →

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