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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.2K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
14.7%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,100
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$263K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:115
Median Home:$414K

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • Fastest growing major city
  • Desert metropolis
  • Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbus, OH vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
35.8%
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$735
more
🚗Transportation
9.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$123
more
📦Other
7.7%
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$121
more
All Utilities
20.8%
Columbus, OH
$464
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$96.72
more
🏥Healthcare
3.1%
Columbus, OH
$607
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$18.59
less
🛒Groceries
0.6%
Columbus, OH
$969
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$6.00
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,390
$370
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,510
$410
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,750
$435
3 Bed
From$1,575
To$2,330
$755
Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870$1,790/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,051
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Phoenix
$263K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$95K - $406K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 58% more expensive than Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$806
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$67.13
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.5%
Rate difference

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Columbus
Phoenix
53 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
9%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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