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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

Houston is 6% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,313/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 7%
$62,894/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
$253,400 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 7%
$1,316/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 6%
2,300,419
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $2,433/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Columbus — common questions

Is Houston or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Columbus?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Columbus?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $2,433/year higher in Columbus.
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 Houston or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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More Comparisons

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