Columbus vs Denver: cost of living compared
Denver is 42% more expensive than Columbus overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH vs 4.4% in CO.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Columbus to Denver means a significantly higher overall cost of living. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially more expensive in Denver. While other categories like food, transportation, and healthcare also show a noticeable increase, housing stands out as the main factor contributing to Denver's higher cost burden compared to Columbus.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Denver. Columbus offers a more accessible housing market, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being substantially lower. This difference in housing affordability is a major consideration for anyone contemplating a move.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also differ. State income tax is somewhat higher in Denver. While utilities are roughly similar, transportation, food, and healthcare costs are all noticeably higher in Denver. This means that routine spending on groceries, getting around, and medical services will generally require a larger portion of your budget in Denver compared to Columbus.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct environments. Columbus, located in the Midwest, experiences a four-season climate with hot summers and cold winters, and generally flatter terrain. Denver, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, enjoys a sunnier, drier climate with distinct seasons, including significant snowfall and higher altitudes. Denver's urban core is denser, while Columbus offers a more sprawling feel. Commute times are broadly comparable, though Denver's can be impacted by mountain access.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial impact is clear: Denver presents a considerably higher cost of living across most categories, with housing being the most significant difference. While Columbus offers a more budget-friendly environment, Denver provides access to a distinct mountain lifestyle and climate. Your household budget will stretch much further in Columbus, while Denver demands a greater financial commitment for its unique offerings.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 90 | 128 |
| Housing index | 71 | 146 |
| Transportation index | 86 | 104 |
| Food index | 92 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 98 |
| Misc index | 88 | 108 |
| Median home price | $248,000 | $548,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,100/mo | $1,950/mo |
| Average commute | 24 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Denver home with the True Cost Calculator.