Median rent is 18% lower in Columbus ($1,135/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $231,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Columbus ($76,856 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Columbus is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.1 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Columbus, IN.
Quick verdict
Columbus is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.1 in Columbus vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Columbus, IN
How much would you need to earn in Columbus, IN to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Columbus, IN
$66,760
You could earn $8,240 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Columbus
Indiana
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Columbus at $1,135/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $231,000 in Columbus — 27% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 3.05% in Indiana, so Columbus is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 7.00% in Indiana; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Columbus
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Columbus.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.1 vs 105.7).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,135/mo median).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.05%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Columbus?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Columbus?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,135/mo in Columbus, IN. Columbus, IN has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Columbus?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $76,856 in Columbus, IN. Columbus, IN has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Columbus?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Indiana's is 3.05%. Columbus, IN has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $89,014 in Columbus, IN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology