Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Columbus is 32% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,224/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 32%
$65,327/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 25%
$234,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 79%
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 36%
906,480
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $16,611/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Columbus or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Atlanta?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Atlanta?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $16,611/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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