Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Columbus is 67% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,224/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 105%
$65,327/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 147%
$234,500 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 413%
$1,243/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 108%
906,480
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,281/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $15,372/year.

Median household income is $95,973/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Columbus or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Bellevue?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,281/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Bellevue?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $95,973/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Bellevue details →

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