Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Columbus is 17% cheaper than Newark.

$1,224/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 9%
$65,327/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 26%
$234,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 44%
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 14%
906,480
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $16,911/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Newark — common questions

Is Columbus or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Newark?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Newark?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $16,911/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New Jersey?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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