Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Columbus and Baltimore have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↑ 5%
$65,327/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 9%
$234,500 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$219,300 ↓ 6%
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 7%
906,480
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $5,704/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Columbus or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Baltimore?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Baltimore?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $5,704/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Maryland?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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