Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Columbus is 11% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,224/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 6%
$65,327/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 11%
$234,500 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 16%
$1,243/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 5%
906,480
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $6,988/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Killeen — common questions

Is Columbus or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Killeen?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Killeen?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $6,988/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Killeen

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale