Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 95.5 in Columbus, OH in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 13.4% more expensive than Columbus; housing rents differ by 69% (148.4 vs 87.9). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $66,135 buys in Columbus, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Columbus | Boston vs Columbus |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 95.5 | +13.4% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 93.6 | +6.4% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 87.9 | +68.8% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 95.5 | +55.7% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 98.9 | +4.7% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 96.6 | +11.5% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Columbus | $44,090 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Columbus | $88,180 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Columbus | $132,270 |
Related
- Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Boston, MA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Cincinnati, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Cleveland, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Denver, CO (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Detroit, MI (2024)
- Cost of living: Boston, MA vs Hartford, CT (2024)
- Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Boston, MA (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.