Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Columbus is 46% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,224/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 22%
$65,327/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 20%
$234,500 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 45%
$1,243/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 26%
906,480
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $13,076/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Evansville — common questions

Is Columbus or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Evansville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Evansville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $13,076/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Indiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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