Cost of Living: Idaho Falls vs Columbus (2026)
Idaho Falls has a 4% lower overall cost of living than Columbus as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Idaho Falls vs $1,250/mo in Columbus — a 12% difference. Columbus has a lower state income tax rate (3% vs 5.8%), which adds up over time.
- Idaho Falls is 4% cheaper overall (COL index: 87 vs 91)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Idaho Falls vs $1,250/mo — 12% savings
- Higher median household income: Columbus ($57,000/yr vs $56,000/yr)
- Median home price: $270,000 in Columbus vs $310,000 — 13% difference
| Category | Idaho Falls Idaho | Columbus Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,000 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,250 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,650 |
| Median home price | $310K | $270KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 96 | 95Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $12 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $50 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $35Best | $62 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40 | $3.10Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $132Best | $135 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $142Best | $155 |
| Internet/mo | $65 | $60Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $56K | $57KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.8% | 3.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.0%Best | 7.8% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $35 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.50 | $5.00Best |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87Best | 91 |
| Walk score / 100 | 18 | 37Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Idaho Falls cheaper than Columbus?
Yes. Idaho Falls is 4% cheaper than Columbus based on overall cost of living indices (87 vs 91, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Idaho Falls vs Columbus?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Idaho Falls is $1,100/month and in Columbus is $1,250/month. Idaho Falls is cheaper by 12%.
How much do I need to earn in Columbus to match a $75,000 salary in Idaho Falls?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $78,448/year in Columbus to match a $75,000 salary in Idaho Falls. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Idaho Falls or Columbus?
Columbus has the lower state income tax rate at 3% vs 5.8%. The difference is 2.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Idaho Falls to Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Idaho Falls offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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