Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Columbus is 27% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,224/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 28%
$65,327/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 9%
$234,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 60%
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 25%
906,480
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $5,975/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Tampa — common questions

Is Columbus or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Tampa?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Tampa?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $5,975/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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