Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Columbus is 20% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,224/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 16%
$65,327/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 3%
$234,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 45%
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
906,480
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $2,217/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Worcester — common questions

Is Columbus or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Worcester?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Worcester?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $2,217/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Columbus details → View Worcester details →

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