Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Columbus is 13% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,224/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 22%
$65,327/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 5%
$234,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 12%
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 7%
906,480
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $2,997/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lehigh Acres residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Columbus or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $2,997/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Lehigh Acres

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