Columbus, OH and Columbus, GA, though sharing a name, offer distinctly different lifestyles. The Ohio city offers a vibrant cultural scene, bustling economy and exceptional education opportunities. Columbus, GA, on the other hand, provides a more relaxed lifestyle, with comfortable weather, lower cost of living, and lovely outdoor attractions. Both cities have their strengths and appeals, depending on individual preferences.
When comparing safety, both cities have relatively similar crime rates, but Columbus, OH shows slighter better statistics. Efforts in both cities are ongoing to increase safety as they continue to grow. It's always crucial to research neighborhoods before moving, as safety levels can vary drastically from one area to another. Tourists are relatively safe in popular and well-trafficked areas, but it's always advised to keep personal belongings secure and stay aware of one's surroundings.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,576 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 740 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 547 to 1; the ratio in Columbus is 251 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Columbus than in Columbus.
Cost of Living
Columbus, GA generally has a lower cost of living compared to Columbus, OH. Expenses such as housing, groceries, and health care are usually less expensive in Georgia, which is certainly a consideration for potential residents. However, wages tend to be higher in Ohio which might offset the cost of living difference.
Income Tax
Columbus, OH has a local income tax of 2.5% on top of the Ohio state income tax. In contrast, Columbus, GA, like the rest of Georgia, has no local income taxes, which may be more appealing to those looking to relocate.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Columbus, OH tend to be higher than in Columbus, GA. However, the exact figure will depend on the specific property and neighborhood.
Sales Tax
Ohio has a lower state sales tax rate of 5.75% compared to Georgia's 6%, which could impact day-to-day expenses slightly.
Income
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$52,817
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$29,689
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
86.8
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $55,357 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Columbus, OH is largely flat and urban, with some access to outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking in nearby areas. Columbus, GA offers more direct access to outdoor recreation with the Chattahoochee River running through the city and close proximity to the Appalachian Mountains.
When it comes to education, Columbus, OH stands out with numerous high-ranking public and private schools. The city is home to The Ohio State University, a highly respected institution known for its research programs. Columbus, GA does have good schools and colleges but Ohio's higher number of educational opportunities gives it an edge.
Columbus, OH presents a stronger economy with a lower unemployment rate compared to Columbus, GA. Key industries in Ohio include finance, healthcare, education, and retail. The economy in Georgia's Columbus is centered around manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Both cities provide job opportunities, but Ohio arguably offers more diversity in industries.
Biggest Employers
Ohio's Columbus houses several huge employers like JPMorgan Chase, Honda, and The Ohio State University. In Columbus, GA, the top employers include TSYS, Aflac, and Fort Benning.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 296 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (79 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Columbus (Muscogee County), 60.3% voted for Democrats and 39.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
2020
64.7%
61.4%
33.4%
37.4%
1.9%
1.2%
2016
59.8%
57.4%
33.9%
38.9%
6.2%
3.7%
2012
60.8%
60.3%
37.9%
39.0%
1.3%
0.7%
2008
59.8%
59.7%
39.0%
40.0%
1.2%
0.4%
2004
54.5%
51.4%
45.2%
48.2%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
48.9%
54.3%
47.9%
45.2%
3.2%
0.5%
1996
48.1%
53.8%
44.5%
41.9%
7.3%
4.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
4.6%
5.6%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.1%
3.7%
0.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
22.8%
6.8%
16.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
1.2%
1.9%
1.2%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.5%
3.3%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.3%
1.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.0%
0.8%
Weather
The climates in the two cities are notably different. Columbus, OH experiences a full range of seasons, from cold snowy winters to warm summers. Columbus, GA, in contrast, offers a more temperate and humid climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. If enjoying a variety of seasons is a priority, Ohio might be a more suitable choice, whereas Georgia may appeal to those who prefer warmer weather year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
65.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
74.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
47%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
48.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
1 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
18.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
66.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
17.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
68%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
50.6%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Columbus, Georgia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus
2018
69
61
0.11
N/A
10.0
N/A
33.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
6.8
0.0
N/A
2017
68
71
0.16
N/A
9.6
N/A
28.7
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
8.4
0.1
N/A
2016
76
76
0.17
N/A
10.6
N/A
28.5
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
8.1
0.1
N/A
2015
74
70
0.16
N/A
11.3
N/A
27.0
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.1
8.1
0.1
N/A
2014
82
78
0.20
N/A
11.0
N/A
28.5
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
9.2
0.5
N/A
2013
78
72
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
29.6
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
8.4
0.6
N/A
2012
87
79
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
32.9
30.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
9.5
N/A
1.1
2011
89
86
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.1
32.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
11.6
N/A
1.2
2010
90
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.5
31.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
10.9
N/A
1.2
2009
61
75
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
28.7
28.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
1.3
2008
65
81
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.2
33.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.7
1.8
1.7
2007
80
103
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.8
35.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
2.8
N/A
2006
75
99
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
30.0
34.6
0.004
N/A
23.7
N/A
N/A
14.1
3.3
N/A
2005
87
104
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.6
30.6
0.004
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
13.3
4.1
2.0
2004
77
94
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.8
28.9
0.005
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
13.3
4.4
N/A
2003
91
84
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
26.9
0.004
N/A
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
N/A
2002
93
62
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
31.3
27.9
N/A
N/A
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.9
2001
84
88
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
29.2
30.1
N/A
N/A
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
N/A
2000
57
110
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
34.2
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
137.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
132.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
7%
Transportation
Public transit in Ohio's Columbus is more comprehensive, served by Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Georgia's Columbus depends more on personal vehicles, although they do have a public bus service, Metra Transit System.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
85
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
1.6%
1.1%
Carpooled
7.4%
14.6%
Car alone
86.7%
75.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
2.2%
4.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Average
26.1 min
20.5 min
Real Estate
When examining the real estate market, homes in Columbus, GA tend to be more affordable than those in Columbus, OH. The Ohio city, however, offers a wider range of housing options – from urban apartments to suburban family homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast a mix of historical and modern neighborhoods. Ohio's Columbus has vibrant areas like German Village and Short North, while Georgia's Columbus offers charming districts like the Historic District and MidTown.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Houses
422,120
75,938
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
69,597 (91.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
39,266 (56.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
30,331 (43.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$599.09
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$61,168
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$171,106
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.6
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
351.4
Household income disparities
42.4%
46.6%
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
9,803 (27%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
91 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
26,511 (73%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
2,477 (6.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
3,939 (10.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
3,992
State government workers
31,881
3,806
Unpaid family workers
724
211
Industries and Occupations
Columbus, OH hosts several Fortune 500 companies providing a diverse range of job opportunities in finance, retail, healthcare, and education. Columbus, GA, while smaller, still boasts solid opportunities, especially in manufacturing, the military, and healthcare.
Both cities are served by several hospitals and healthcare facilities, but Ohio's Columbus offers more specialized services and is home to the nationally recognized Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Columbus, OH boasts a robust infrastructure with a good mix of urban and suburban areas. Public facilities like parks, community centers, and libraries are plentiful. Columbus, GA also has good infrastructure, with beautiful natural and public spaces, but the development in Ohio is noticeably more extensive.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Columbus
Hospitals
47
12
TV stations
14
10
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
200
50
Bank institutions located here
25
12
Main business address for public companies
23
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Columbus
1999
2,450
906
2000
2,376
767
2001
1,897
618
2002
1,483
304
2003
2,087
334
2004
3,216
431
2005
4,275
550
2006
4,662
565
2007
2,679
362
2008
1,015
132
2009
555
59
Culture and Food
Ohio's Columbus boasts a diverse cultural scene, with numerous festivals, music events, art galleries, and theaters. It also offers a vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and food trucks. Georgia's Columbus has a rich historical character, with many museums, theaters, and a growing food scene.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find a lot to cheer for in Columbus, OH which is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Blue Jackets (NHL), and Columbus Crew (MLS). Columbus, GA doesn't have any major league sports teams, but it does host minor league baseball and hockey teams.
Columbus, OH
Columbus, GA
