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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Columbus is 65% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,224/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 124%
$65,327/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 94%
$234,500 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 344%
$1,243/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 112%
906,480
Population
117,794

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,518/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $18,216/year.

Median household income is $61,142/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Columbus or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Cambridge?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,518/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Cambridge?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $61,142/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Cambridge details →

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