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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Laredo

Texas
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than Laredo.

$1,224/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,001/mo ↓ 18%
$65,327/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$63,264/yr ↓ 3%
$234,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$182,400 ↓ 22%
$1,243/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,066/mo ↓ 14%
906,480
Population
255,949

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
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $2,063/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Laredo — common questions

Is Columbus or Laredo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Laredo?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Laredo?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $2,063/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 Laredo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Laredo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Laredo

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