Baltimore vs Columbus
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Columbus is 16% cheaper than Baltimore overall.Baltimore has a cost of living index of 107 vs Columbus at 90 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Baltimore costs 35% more.

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Baltimore
MD
107
COLI index
VS
Columbus
OH
90
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Baltimore | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 107 | 90 | -16% |
| Housing | 138 | 90 | -35% |
| Groceries | 105 | 101 | -4% |
| Transport | 107 | 101 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 104 | 101 | -3% |
| Utilities | 115 | 106 | -8% |
Median 1BR Rent
Baltimore
$1,550/mo
Columbus
$1,200/mo
Median Home Price
Baltimore
$195,000
Columbus
$245,000
Median Household Income
Baltimore
$55,198
Columbus
$56,776
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Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.