Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Portland, OR (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Columbus is 40% cheaper than Portland.

$1,224/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↑ 30%
$65,327/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↑ 36%
$234,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$557,600 ↑ 138%
$1,243/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↑ 42%
906,480
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $23,465/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Portland — common questions

Is Columbus or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Portland?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Portland?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $23,465/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Oregon?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Portland has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,596/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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