Cost of living in Columbus
Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, is known for its vibrant culture and diverse economy. Understanding the cost of living in Columbus is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $10 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $52 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.45.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $2.19 to $6.79, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.49.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.9.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.85.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.4 to $4.65, averaging $2.88.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.39 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.79 to $2.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $2.5, with a monthly pass priced between $62 and $81.6.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $0.99 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.26 to $2.17 per km and $27 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $1800, averaging $1520.36.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $975 to $1400, averaging $1193.06.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2600 to $3500, averaging $3055.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1750 to $2400, averaging $2050.38.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2120 to $4305.56, averaging $3153.7.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2120 to $4843.76, averaging $3167.16.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $160 and $379, averaging $245.89.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $98, with an average cost of $70.72.
Cost of Living Rankings
Columbus ranks 23rd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Columbus offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, with options ranging from inexpensive meals to more costly dining experiences.
Transportation is reasonably priced, with affordable public transport and fuel costs.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like fruits and vegetables can vary widely in cost.
Conclusion
Overall, Columbus provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking for a city with a moderate expense profile.
Whether you're planning to rent or buy, the housing market offers a range of options to suit different budgets. With its affordable transportation and dining options, Columbus is a city that offers both value and quality of life.