Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Kent, WA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Columbus is 43% cheaper than Kent.

$1,224/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 50%
$65,327/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 38%
$234,500 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 129%
$1,243/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 54%
906,480
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $25,089/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Kent — common questions

Is Columbus or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Kent?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Kent?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $25,089/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Kent details →

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