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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Columbus is 34% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,224/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 30%
$65,327/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 28%
$234,500 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 94%
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
906,480
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $18,530/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Columbus or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Tacoma?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $18,530/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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