Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs El Paso, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

El Paso

Texas
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than El Paso.

$1,224/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,041/mo ↓ 15%
$65,327/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$58,734/yr ↓ 10%
$234,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$171,700 ↓ 27%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,044/mo ↓ 16%
906,480
Population
678,147

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and El Paso, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $6,593/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $171,700 in El Paso.

Texas has no state income tax, giving El Paso residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs El Paso — common questions

Is Columbus or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and El Paso?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in El Paso it's $1,041/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or El Paso?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $58,734 in El Paso. Median household income is $6,593/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or El Paso?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while El Paso has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,041/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View El Paso details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and El Paso

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco El Paso vs. Nashville El Paso vs. Washington El Paso vs. Oklahoma City El Paso vs. Boston El Paso vs. Denver El Paso vs. Las Vegas