Columbus, Indiana has an overall cost of living index of 94.1, which is 5.9 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,135 per month, while the typical home is valued around $231,000. Households earn a median of $76,856 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$76,856
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,135
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$231,000
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
94.1
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,233
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,257
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,415
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,697
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
94.1
Goods
92.3
Rents / Housing
87.6
Services
87.6
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
3.05%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $120,790 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $86,140 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $80,920 |
| ⚡Electrician | $64,460 |
| 📊Accountant | $85,890 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
51,104
Latest estimate
Median Age
36 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Columbus?
Columbus has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 94.1. The US national average is 100, so Columbus is 5.9 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Columbus?
The median gross rent in Columbus is $1,135 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus is $76,856 per year.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus is $231,000 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Columbus?
Air quality data for Columbus is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Columbus?
Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.05% and a statewide sales tax of 7.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology