Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Columbus is 39% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,224/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 36%
$65,327/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 28%
$234,500 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 134%
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 36%
906,480
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $18,271/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Columbus or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $18,271/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Colorado?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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