Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Orlando, FL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Columbus is 28% cheaper than Orlando.

$1,224/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ↑ 35%
$65,327/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↑ 6%
$234,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$359,000 ↑ 53%
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↑ 30%
906,480
Population
311,732

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $3,941/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Orlando — common questions

Is Columbus or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Orlando?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Orlando?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $3,941/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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