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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Columbus is 8% cheaper than Spokane.

$1,224/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 7%
$65,327/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,745/yr ≈ Same
$234,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 39%
$1,243/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 2%
906,480
Population
229,228

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $418/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Spokane — common questions

Is Columbus or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Spokane?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Spokane?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $418/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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