Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Columbus is 44% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,224/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 51%
$65,327/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 131%
$234,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 117%
$1,243/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 74%
906,480
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $85,610/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Naperville — common questions

Is Columbus or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Naperville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Naperville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $85,610/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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