Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Boston, MA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Columbus is 53% cheaper than Boston.

$1,224/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 71%
$65,327/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 45%
$234,500 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 203%
$1,243/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 75%
906,480
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $29,428/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Boston — common questions

Is Columbus or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Boston?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Boston?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $29,428/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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