Cost of Living: Columbus vs Phoenix (2026)

Columbus vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 8% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $108,219 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 8% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $108,219 in Phoenix.

Columbus vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricColumbusPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)95103+8%
Median rent$1,224$1,458+19%
Median home value$234,500$381,900+63%
Median household income$65,327$77,041+18%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Columbus has the same buying power as about $108,219 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $92,405 in Columbus.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Columbus and Phoenix.

Compare any salary: Columbus vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 95 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Columbus.

About $108,219 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Columbus.