Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Columbus is 26% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,224/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 20%
$65,327/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 2%
$234,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 68%
$1,243/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 24%
906,480
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $1,453/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Columbus or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $1,453/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Elizabeth details →

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