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Columbus, OH

Cost of living in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin County, OH

Part of the Columbus Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,178/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 1,321,635 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,194 38%
Federal tax $576 18%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $320 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $194 6%
Water $50 2%
State tax $44 1%

Rent in Columbus

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,104
per month
1 bedroom
$1,194
per month
2 bedroom
$1,445
per month
3 bedroom
$1,741
per month
4 bedroom
$1,939
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbus

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$73,795
per year
Individual earnings
$45,288
per year
Per capita
$42,855
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbus

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$265,700
Annual property tax
$4,110

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbus

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$131
per month · 15.4¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,328
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Columbus

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.4%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Columbus

State and local tax rates for Ohio.

State income tax
3.5%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.8%
Combined sales tax
7.2%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Columbus

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
21.8 min
Drive alone
70.5%
Public transit
1.7%
Work from home
17.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbus

What it costs to live in Columbus each month.

Single person
$3,178
per month
  • Rent $1,194
  • Energy $194
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $320
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $576
  • State tax $44
Couple
$4,539
per month
  • Rent $1,445
  • Energy $233
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $530
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $878
  • State tax $109
Family
$6,964
per month
  • Rent $1,741
  • Energy $291
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $805
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $878
  • State tax $109

Frequently asked questions about Columbus

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbus?

In Columbus, Ohio, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,194 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,445 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,741 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbus?

In Columbus, Ohio, the average household income is $73,795 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $45,288 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbus?

The estimated cost of living in Columbus, Ohio is approximately $3,178 per month for a single person, $4,539 for a couple, $6,964 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbus?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbus, Ohio is 7.24%, which includes the Ohio state rate of 5.75% plus an average local rate of 1.49%.

Is Columbus an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbus, Ohio would need approximately $3,178 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $73,795 per year ($6,150 per month). Columbus has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbus?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbus, Ohio is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.4% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbus?

The average home value in Columbus, Ohio is $265,700, with average annual property taxes of $4,110, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbus compare to other areas?

You can compare Columbus, Ohio with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Columbus is in the Columbus, OH metro area.

Other counties in Ohio

Browse the full list of counties in Ohio, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Ohio

Compare Columbus with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources