Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Columbus is 17% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,224/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 7%
$65,327/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 2%
$234,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 49%
$1,243/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 10%
906,480
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $1,427/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Columbus or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Wilmington?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Wilmington?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,427/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and North Carolina?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Wilmington details →

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