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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Columbus is 36% cheaper than Miami.

$1,224/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↑ 35%
$65,327/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 9%
$234,500 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 103%
$1,243/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↑ 34%
906,480
Population
446,663

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
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $5,937/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Miami — common questions

Is Columbus or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Miami?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Miami?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $5,937/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 Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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