Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Chandler, AZ (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Chandler

Arizona
134

Columbus is 38% cheaper than Chandler.

$1,224/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,806/mo ↑ 48%
$65,327/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$103,691/yr ↑ 59%
$234,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$469,800 ↑ 100%
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,743/mo ↑ 40%
906,480
Population
278,123

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Chandler, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $38,364/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $469,800 in Chandler.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Chandler — common questions

Is Columbus or Chandler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Chandler?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Chandler it's $1,806/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Chandler?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $103,691 in Chandler. Median household income is $38,364/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Chandler?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Chandler has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,806/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Chandler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Chandler

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Chandler vs. Plano Chandler vs. Buffalo Chandler vs. Durham Chandler vs. Madison Chandler vs. Anchorage Chandler vs. Chula Vista