Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Columbus is 34% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,224/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 57%
$65,327/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 43%
$234,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 69%
$1,243/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 28%
906,480
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $693/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $8,316/year.

Median household income is $28,044/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Surprise — common questions

Is Columbus or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Surprise?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $693/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Surprise?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $28,044/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Arizona?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Surprise

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite