Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Columbus is 25% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,224/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 20%
$65,327/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 26%
$234,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 61%
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 20%
906,480
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $244/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,928/year.

Median household income is $17,097/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Columbus or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Raleigh?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $244/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Raleigh?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $17,097/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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