Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Columbus is 45% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,224/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 47%
$65,327/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 74%
$234,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 156%
$1,243/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 57%
906,480
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $48,069/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Arvada — common questions

Is Columbus or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Arvada?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Arvada?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $48,069/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Colorado?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Arvada

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence