Median rent is 6% lower in Columbus ($1,072/mo vs $1,135/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbus, where the median home runs $182,300 versus $231,000. Households earn more in Columbus ($76,856 vs $56,622 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (94.1).
City A
Columbus, GA
City B
Columbus, IN
How much would you need to earn in Columbus, IN to maintain your standard of living from Columbus, GA?
Equivalent salary in Columbus, IN
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Columbus
Georgia
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 $1,072/mo compared to $1,135/mo in Columbus (6% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Columbus: the median home is $231,000 versus $182,300 in Columbus — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% versus 3.05% in Indiana, so Columbus is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 7.00% in Indiana; Columbus has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbus
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Columbus
Income tax: 3.05%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is available for Columbus (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Columbus.
Pick Columbus if you prioritize higher median household income ($76,856/yr).
Pick Columbus if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.05%).
Is Columbus cheaper than Columbus?
Columbus is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.1 versus 94.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbus.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Columbus?
Median rent is $1,072/mo in Columbus, GA and $1,135/mo in Columbus, IN. Columbus, GA has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbus or Columbus?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus, GA 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 — Columbus or Columbus?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and Indiana's is 3.05%. Columbus, IN has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Columbus income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbus, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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