Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Durham, NC (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Columbus is 21% cheaper than Durham.

$1,224/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 15%
$65,327/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 21%
$234,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 52%
$1,243/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 15%
906,480
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $13,907/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Durham — common questions

Is Columbus or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Durham?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Durham?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $13,907/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Durham details →

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