Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Columbus, OH (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

Dallas is 14% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,403/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 13%
$67,760/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 4%
$295,300 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 21%
$1,409/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
1,299,553
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $2,433/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Columbus — common questions

Is Dallas or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Columbus?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Columbus?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $2,433/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Ohio?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,224/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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