Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Columbus is 5% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,224/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 3%
$65,327/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,192/yr ≈ Same
$234,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 12%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 6%
906,480
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $135/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Columbus or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Dearborn?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Dearborn?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $135/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Michigan?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

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