Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Columbus is 27% cheaper than Port St. Lucie.

$1,224/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↑ 46%
$65,327/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↑ 20%
$234,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$327,700 ↑ 40%
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↑ 21%
906,480
Population
220,453

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $12,810/year higher in Port St. Lucie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Columbus or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $12,810/year higher in Port St. Lucie.
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 Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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