Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Nashville, TN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Nashville

Tennessee
110

Columbus is 25% cheaper than Nashville.

$1,224/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,486/mo ↑ 21%
$65,327/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$75,197/yr ↑ 15%
$234,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$383,100 ↑ 63%
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,471/mo ↑ 18%
906,480
Population
684,298

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Nashville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $9,870/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $383,100 in Nashville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Nashville — common questions

Is Columbus or Nashville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Nashville?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Nashville it's $1,486/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Nashville?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $75,197 in Nashville. Median household income is $9,870/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Tennessee?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Nashville?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Nashville has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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