Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Columbus is 13% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,224/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 18%
$65,327/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 18%
$234,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 6%
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 22%
906,480
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $11,556/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs New Haven — common questions

Is Columbus or New Haven 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 New Haven?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or New Haven?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $11,556/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Connecticut?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View New Haven details →

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