Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Columbus is 29% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,224/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 10%
$65,327/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 15%
$234,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 111%
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 12%
906,480
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $9,598/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Columbus or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $9,598/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Salt Lake City

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta