Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Columbus, OH (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Columbus

Ohio
83

New York is 100% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,779/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,224/mo ↓ 31%
$79,713/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$65,327/yr ↓ 18%
$751,700 ↑ 221%
Home Value
$234,500 ↓ 69%
$1,837/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
8,516,202
Population
906,480

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Columbus, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $14,386/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $234,500 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Columbus — common questions

Is New York or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Columbus?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Columbus it's $1,224/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Columbus?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $65,327 in Columbus. Median household income is $14,386/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Columbus details →

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