Columbus, Ohio and Mesa, Arizona both offer unique lifestyles, paths to economic growth, and attractions. Columbus, as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, is known for its diverse economy, education, and football. On the other hand, Mesa is famous for its warm weather, stunning landscapes, and some of the most attractive outdoor activities. Now, let's delve deeper into each aspect.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Mesa, AZ : 1,648.4 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 78%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Mesa has grown by 113,100 people (28.5%) during that time.
Columbus has a higher crime rate than Mesa, which might be a point of concern for those considering moving there. However, it's also important to note that crime rates vary considerably within the city, with some neighborhoods experiencing lower rates than others. On the other hand, Mesa generally has lower crime rates, which is a positive aspect for both people relocating and tourists.
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 650 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 547 to 1; the ratio in Mesa is 746 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Columbus than in Mesa.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Mesa is slightly higher than Columbus. While housing costs are higher in Mesa, Columbus has higher expenses for healthcare. However, both cities are still less expensive when compared to national averages, making them reasonable options for relocation.
Income Tax
Ohio has a progressive income tax, and Columbus has a 2.5% municipal income tax. Arizona boasts lower state income taxes, and Mesa does not charge any municipal income tax.
Property Tax
Ohio's property taxes are higher than in Arizona, but Columbus's property tax rates are lower than the state average. Property tax rates in Mesa are quite low compared to other cities in the U.S.
Sales Tax
State and local sales tax rates in Columbus total about 7.5%, which is less than Mesa's combined rate of roughly 8.3%. This difference might have a direct impact on day-to-day expenses and cost of living.
Income
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$69,266
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$35,439
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
101
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $52,549 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus, situated in the Midwest, is characterized by flat plains. While it doesn't offer mountains or beaches, it has a number of parks and green spaces. Mesa is situated in the desert of Arizona, offering a unique landscape of sprawling plains, rugged mountains, and the scenic Salt River.
Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the US, providing outstanding educational opportunities. Columbus City Schools, the largest school district in Ohio, serves the city. In Mesa, its school district is the largest in Arizona, and the city is also home to higher learning institutions like Mesa Community College and Arizona State University Polytechnic campus.
Columbus has a diverse economy, with sectors like education, health, finance, and government playing crucial roles. It's growing rapidly in the tech industry. Mesa, on the other hand, relies more on healthcare, education, and retail, with a significant presence in the aerospace industry.
Biggest Employers
In Columbus, Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, and JP Morgan Chase & Co are among the biggest employers. In contrast, Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and Boeing are some of the largest employers in Mesa, AZ.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 2,046 building permits issued in Mesa in 2012 (1543 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Mesa (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
2020
64.7%
50.2%
33.4%
48.0%
1.9%
1.8%
2016
59.8%
44.9%
33.9%
47.7%
6.2%
7.5%
2012
60.8%
43.6%
37.9%
54.3%
1.3%
2.1%
2008
59.8%
44.0%
39.0%
54.5%
1.2%
1.5%
2004
54.5%
42.4%
45.2%
57.0%
0.3%
0.6%
2000
48.9%
43.0%
47.9%
53.4%
3.2%
3.6%
1996
48.1%
44.5%
44.5%
47.2%
7.3%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
13.6%
5.6%
4.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.8%
3.7%
2.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.9%
6.8%
6.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
0.2%
1.9%
1.0%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.3%
1.2%
0.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.2%
3.3%
0.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.3%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
2.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.0%
1.5%
Weather
Weather is one of the main differences between Columbus and Mesa. Columbus experiences a typical Midwestern climate with all four seasons, including cold winters with possible snow and humid summers. Conversely, Mesa boasts a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing over 300 days of sunshine each year.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
71.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
37.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
48%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
60%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
12%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
9.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
35.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
92.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
95%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
79%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.6 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Mesa, Arizona
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
Columbus
Mesa
2018
69
200
0.11
0.28
10.0
15.1
33.8
34.8
N/A
28.1
6.0
7.5
0.0
0.6
2017
68
128
0.16
0.28
9.6
15.8
28.7
35.1
N/A
24.5
5.5
8.2
0.1
1.4
2016
76
121
0.17
0.31
10.6
15.7
28.5
34.6
N/A
21.5
5.6
6.8
0.1
0.4
2015
74
104
0.16
0.34
11.3
17.6
27.0
33.4
N/A
17.7
6.1
6.8
0.1
0.9
2014
82
135
0.20
0.33
11.0
19.6
28.5
34.0
N/A
30.8
7.4
8.4
0.5
1.1
2013
78
141
N/A
0.31
8.9
19.9
29.6
34.8
N/A
29.3
7.8
5.8
0.6
0.9
2012
87
159
N/A
0.38
N/A
21.2
32.9
33.7
N/A
37.9
8.9
8.1
N/A
1.3
2011
89
205
N/A
0.31
N/A
18.5
28.1
34.1
N/A
40.4
8.9
9.5
N/A
0.9
2010
90
100
N/A
0.31
N/A
16.4
30.5
32.9
N/A
29.5
9.1
8.3
N/A
1.2
2009
61
109
N/A
0.33
N/A
16.6
28.7
32.3
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2008
65
106
N/A
0.29
N/A
17.5
31.2
34.2
N/A
39.9
N/A
N/A
1.8
1.1
2007
80
134
N/A
0.43
N/A
19.3
30.8
31.0
N/A
50.6
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.9
2006
75
138
N/A
0.44
N/A
22.1
30.0
30.9
23.7
57.5
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.8
2005
87
109
N/A
0.49
N/A
22.6
29.6
30.0
27.5
49.1
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.7
2004
77
97
N/A
0.51
N/A
22.4
27.8
30.4
24.6
33.4
N/A
N/A
4.4
1.4
2003
91
99
N/A
0.56
N/A
24.0
26.4
31.7
23.9
42.6
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.4
2002
93
110
N/A
0.69
N/A
24.9
31.3
28.0
25.7
41.8
N/A
N/A
4.1
1.6
2001
84
105
N/A
0.65
N/A
23.8
29.2
27.2
25.9
37.8
N/A
N/A
3.5
1.5
2000
57
117
N/A
0.76
N/A
29.8
N/A
27.1
23.5
45.6
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.7
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
2,348.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
16%
Transportation
Columbus offers various public transit options, including buses and a free downtown circulator service. Commuting by bike is also well-supported. In Mesa, public transit primarily relies on buses, light rail system, and the presence of multiple freeways makes car travel more common.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
415
828
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Bicycle
0.6%
0.6%
Bus
1.6%
0.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
14.4%
Car alone
86.7%
79.9%
Motorcycle
0%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
2.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Average
26.1 min
25 min
Other means
21.7 min
26.9 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
45.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
11.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
2.1%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.5%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Columbus is generally more affordable than in Mesa. However, both cities offer numerous different housing types suitable for various lifestyles and budget needs, with Mesa also offering interesting options for those looking to live in retirement communities.
Neighborhoods
Columbus neighborhoods offer a mix of urban and suburban living with unique cultural enclaves like the Short North and German Village. In contrast, Mesa offers numerous family-friendly neighborhoods and several active adult communities, such as Las Sendas and Alta Mesa.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Houses
422,120
221,995
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.6
Median year apartment built
1982
1987
Median year house/condo built
1977
1989
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
11.2 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
199,112 (89.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
126,146 (63.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
72,966 (36.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,890
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,220
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$262,297
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$350,100
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$421,563
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$124,748
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$226,327
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$250,077
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$70,636
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$27,006
$94,693
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$256,984
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$364,728
Median house age
42
33
Renting percentage
53%
36.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,776.1
House value disparities
30.2%
31.1%
Household income disparities
42.4%
42.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$97,987
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$63,218
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,338 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
5,628 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
80,572 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
7,236 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Mesa
One, detached
45.8%
55.9%
One, attached
9.1%
6.6%
Two
4.0%
1.0%
3 or 4
8.6%
5.1%
5 to 9
11.8%
6.0%
10 to 19
8.6%
5.0%
20 to 49
4.5%
2.8%
50 or more
6.8%
5.3%
Mobile homes
0.8%
11.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
10,562
State government workers
31,881
6,039
Unpaid family workers
724
830
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Columbus include finance, insurance, education, healthcare, and logistics with a growing tech sector. In Mesa, the dominant industries are healthcare, retail trade, and education with a specific focus on aerospace and defense sector.
Both cities offer reliable healthcare options. Columbus is touted for having some of Ohio's best healthcare facilities, including the nationally ranked Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Mesa boasts several high-quality healthcare facilities, as Arizona is well-known for its retirement communities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Mesa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Columbus and Mesa have put significant effort into improving their infrastructures. Columbus has seen tremendous growth in recent years and been working to expand its public transportation and housing. Mesa, though characterized by suburban sprawl, has invested in a variety of public works projects to enhance its infrastructure, including roadways and the expansion of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Mesa
Hospitals
47
13
TV stations
14
18
Bank branches located here
200
97
Bank institutions located here
25
22
Main business address for public companies
23
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Mesa
1999
2,450
2,532
2000
2,376
2,428
2001
1,897
1,854
2002
1,483
1,520
2003
2,087
1,991
2004
3,216
2,897
2005
4,275
3,857
2006
4,662
3,727
2007
2,679
1,896
2008
1,015
765
2009
555
440
Culture and Food
Columbus boasts a melting pot of cultures with its varied food scene, arts, music, and festivals. It's known for Ohio State football and the annual Ohio State Fair. Mesa, enriched by Southwestern culture, offers outdoor activities, upscale shopping, arts, and a variety of food, with a focus on Mexican cuisine.
Sports Teams
Columbus supports a fervor for football through the Ohio State Buckeyes and is home to professional soccer and hockey teams. Conversely, Mesa is a favorite spring training hub for Major League Baseball with two facilities, though the city doesn't have its own professional team.
Columbus, OH
Mesa, AZ
