Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Columbus is 11% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,224/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 8%
$65,327/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 34%
$234,500 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 23%
$1,243/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 7%
906,480
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $22,440/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Rochester — common questions

Is Columbus or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Rochester?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $22,440/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Minnesota?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Rochester details →

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