Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Columbus is 21% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $59,110 in Columbus.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbus scores 99 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) are lower than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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