Cost of living in Columbus

The cost of living in Columbus is one of the city’s biggest drawcards, and new arrivals will be glad to know that they can get more bang for their buck here than in many other major US cities. Housing, healthcare, and transport all come in below the national average, while groceries and utilities hover close to the US norm.

Most of your salary will likely go to accommodation and utilities. Transport expenses must also be budgeted for, as a vehicle will likely be necessary in Columbus.

Cost of accommodation in Columbus

When it comes to accommodation, Columbus has plenty of high-quality options at exceedingly reasonable prices. Rental prices are low compared to the US average.

Thanks to the continuous healthy growth of the real estate industry, buying property in Columbus is generally considered a good investment. The cost of utilities will also not break the bank, as they tend to hover around the US average, but they spike noticeably in winter due to Ohio’s cold climate.

Finding Accommodation in Columbus
Best Neighbourhoods in Columbus

Cost of transport in Columbus

Columbus is still largely car-dependent, and if you live outside the city centre, you will almost certainly need a vehicle to get around. The combined cost of purchasing, maintaining, and insuring a car will make transport a significant line item in your budget.

That said, the city’s transit system is in the middle of a major overhaul. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) has expanded service hours past midnight and is building the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit corridors through the LinkUS initiative, with new routes and improved frequency on the way.

Getting Around in Columbus

Cost of groceries in Columbus

Grocery prices in Columbus are roughly in line with the national average. Savvy shoppers who compare prices across shops can stretch their budget further. Discount grocers and warehouse clubs are particularly popular with residents looking to trim their weekly spend. Notable among these are Save-A-Lot, Aldi, Meijer, Dollar General, and Walmart, which offer some of the most competitive prices in the city. Seasonal farmers’ markets are popular and can offer savings on fresh produce.

Columbus also has a wealth of international grocery shops like Saraga and various ethnic markets that offer good value for international arrivals who want a taste of home.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Columbus

While lifestyle preferences will significantly impact entertainment expenses, if you’re keeping a close eye on your budget, you can still find great bargains thanks to the wide variety of options available.

With seemingly boundless natural attractions in the form of parks, rivers, and lakes, alongside cultural attractions such as galleries and museums, Columbus has plenty to do without spending a cent. On the other hand, a night out at a high-end cocktail bar or one of Columbus's top-notch eateries can result in a hefty bill.

Lifestyle in Columbus

Cost of education in Columbus

Apart from minor expenses such as stationery and school lunches, public education is available at no cost to both US and legal international residents of Columbus. As is the case in most cities, public schools can be a mixed bag, with some performing poorly while others are high achievers.

Since school attendance is determined by zoning, securing a place at a good public school does depend on where you live. More expensive areas tend to have better schools. Still, with the high-value, low-cost accommodation on offer in Columbus, even comparatively expensive areas are well priced.

Private schools are another option and aren’t bound by catchment areas, giving you more freedom to choose where you live. Private school fees and obligatory extras are usually pricey, so you should ensure your budget can accommodate the cost before committing to a private school.

Education and Schools in Columbus

Cost of healthcare in Columbus

The cost of healthcare in Columbus is of a high quality with many qualified practitioners and excellent facilities, while costs sit nearly 20 percent below the national average. While largely cheaper than in other major cities, healthcare costs in Columbus can quickly add up, which may surprise those relocating to the US from countries with publicly funded healthcare systems. To access the exceptional quality of care offered to residents in Columbus, we recommend you invest in a comprehensive health insurance policy. For those working in Columbus, employer-sponsored insurance is the norm.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Columbus