Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

Columbus is 58% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,224/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 63%
$65,327/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 87%
$234,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 289%
$1,243/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 79%
906,480
Population
741,440

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $56,657/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Seattle — common questions

Is Columbus or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Seattle?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Seattle?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $56,657/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Washington?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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