Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Provo, UT (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Columbus is 19% cheaper than Provo.

$1,224/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 6%
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 4%
$234,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 86%
$1,243/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 2%
906,480
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $72/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $864/year.

Median household income is $2,527/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Provo — common questions

Is Columbus or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Provo?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $72/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Provo?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $2,527/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Utah?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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