Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Columbus is 44% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,224/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 66%
$65,327/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 86%
$234,500 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 121%
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 53%
906,480
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $804/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $9,648/year.

Median household income is $56,024/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Columbus or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Gilbert?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $804/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Gilbert?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $56,024/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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