Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Columbus is 19% cheaper than Minneapolis.

$1,224/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↑ 9%
$65,327/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 23%
$234,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$345,600 ↑ 47%
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 22%
906,480
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $105/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,260/year.

Median household income is $14,942/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Columbus or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $105/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $14,942/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Minnesota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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