A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
17%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Columbus Georgia National
Cost of living9393100
Goods & Services9997100
Groceries9698100
Health care133100100
Housing8386100
Transportation9294100
Utilities8686100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Columbus, GA

Knowing the cost of living in Columbus allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Columbus stands at 93, marking it 7% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Columbus aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Columbus residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Columbus?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 15 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Columbus. The feedback revealed that 47% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 53% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Columbus Affordable?

Wondering if Columbus is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Columbus, for example, the median home price is 22.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 2.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Columbus boasting a median household income of $47,418, which is 14.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Columbus?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Columbus, the utilities index is 14.5% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Columbus, the groceries index is 4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Columbus, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbus is 1% higher than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Columbus is 7% lower than the national average
  • Columbus housing is 17% lower than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Columbus

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Compare Columbus, GA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$64,218$5,352$1,498$1,927
      Renters$35,593$2,966$830$1,068
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Columbus, GA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Columbus, homeowners have a median income of $64,218. Using that number, a maximum of $1,498 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $35,593, which means there is a maximum of $830 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Haircut $17.00$24.2629.9%
      Beauty Salon $36.53$45.5619.8%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.7%
      Shampoo $1.31$1.282.0%
      Movie $11.49$12.135.3%
      Bowling $14.00$18.0022.2%

      Groceries

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.16$5.845.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.44$1.578.2%
      Milk $4.61$4.671.3%
      Potatoes $5.31$4.937.5%
      Pizza $11.32$12.096.3%
      Beer $10.19$10.412.2%

      Health Care

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $91.67$125.6827.1%
      Doctor $116.11$135.7814.5%
      Dentist $95.33$113.2915.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.19$10.654.3%
      Lipitor $412.38$468.6012.0%

      Housing

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Home Price $142,900.00$184,700.0022.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,593.02$2,346.6932.1%
      Apartment Rent $925.00$949.002.5%

      Transportation

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.22$3.467.0%
      Tire Balancing $34.00$59.9243.3%

      Utilities

      Item Columbus National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $172.47$193.9911.1%
      Phone $188.97$192.251.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, GA10,4708811.7%
      Ladonia, AL3,6098910.8%
      Phenix City, AL36,461919.2%
      Smiths Station, AL5,821945.8%
      Columbus, GA195,418936.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port St. Lucie, FL195,7731087.9%
      Grand Prairie, TX193,8351043.6%
      Akron, OH197,3758415.6%
      Overland Park, KS193,41211110.9%
      Burlington, ON197,435n/a 
      Columbus, GA195,418936.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.