Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Columbus is 13% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $65,187 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Columbus sits at 82 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $240,000 in Columbus, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,200 in Columbus.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Columbus scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Columbus (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $56,590 in Columbus. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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