Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Columbus is 3% more affordable than Houston. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $72,656 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 · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbus has a housing index of 82 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbus costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbus versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbus scores 99 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Columbus (96) match Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbus is $56,590 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbus.
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