Columbus vs Chicago: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Columbus's typical home is worth $212,500, 30% lower than the typical home in Chicago at $304,500.
On median household income, Columbus posts $62,994 while Chicago posts $71,673.
Typical rent runs $1,161 in Columbus and $1,314 in Chicago.
Natural-hazard risk differs here: FEMA rates Chicago Very High and Columbus Relatively High.
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 902,449 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $212,500 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $62,994 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,161 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
On housing costs, Columbus, OH looks more affordable than Chicago, IL — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.