Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Columbus is 9% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,224/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 2%
$65,327/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 12%
$234,500 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 20%
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 12%
906,480
Population
307,762

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,728/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Columbus or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and St. Paul?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or St. Paul?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $7,728/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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