When comparing Phoenix, Arizona, and Columbus, Ohio, several key factors emerge. Both cities have their unique charm and attractions, offering different living environments despite being similarly populous metropolises. While you may find Phoenix's sunny weather and booming real estate market attractive, Columbus' renowned education institutions, emerging tech industry, and excellent healthcare services are equally compelling. Each city's distinct characteristics make them suitable for different individuals with varying priorities and lifestyle preferences.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Columbus, OH : 1,662.4 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 79%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Columbus has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) during that time.
Phoenix, AZ, has a higher crime rate compared to Columbus, OH, with property crimes like burglary and larceny making up the majority of the offences. It is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another in both cities, so safety largely depends on the specific areas you're residing or visiting. However, both cities have implemented various measures to enhance security and public safety, and it's recommended to stay informed about local news and updates.
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 3,641 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 1,576 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 444 to 1; the ratio in Columbus is 547 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Phoenix is near to than in Columbus.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phoenix is generally lower than in Columbus when considering factors like housing, groceries, and transportation. However, utilities and healthcare can be slightly higher in Phoenix. Changes in Arizona's minimum wage laws have slightly increased the cost of certain services, but overall, the cost of living remains affordable compared to other major US cities.
Income Tax
Ohio has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 4.797%, and Columbus also levies a municipal income tax. Arizona has a lower progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.5%. However, unlike Columbus, Phoenix does not impose a city-level income tax.
Property Tax
Phoenix homeowners generally pay lower property taxes than those in Columbus. While both Arizona and Ohio have relatively low state-level property taxes, Ohio's local-level taxes tend to be higher, increasing the overall tax burden for homeowners in Columbus.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a total sales tax rate of 8.6%, which is higher than Columbus' combined rate of 7.5%. However, Arizona has a lower state-level sales tax than Ohio, which may offset the higher combined rate in Phoenix. It's essential to consider these differences when budgeting expenditures in either city.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $52,653 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert and offers beautiful landscapes with hiking and exploring opportunities. Columbus sits within the Midwest's rolling plains, offering green spaces and waterways for outdoor activities.
Columbus boasts some of the country's highly-rated educational institutions, including Ohio State University, one of the largest academic campuses in the US. In contrast, Phoenix is home to several quality schools and universities, including Arizona State University, but generally offers fewer options than Columbus. However, both cities have an array of public, private, and charter schools catering to K-12 students.
Phoenix has a robust economy, with critical sectors including real estate, retail, healthcare, and construction. Technology and renewable energy sectors are also experiencing significant growth. Columbus' economy is diverse, with finance, healthcare, education, and insurance playing a major role. The city is also seeing a tech boom, making it an appealing destination for tech professionals.
Biggest Employers
Phoenix's largest employers include Banner Health System, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. In Columbus, some of the major employers are Ohio State University, OhioHealth, and JP Morgan Chase. Both cities have a mix of public and private sector employers contributing significantly to job creation.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
2020
50.2%
64.7%
48.0%
33.4%
1.8%
1.9%
2016
44.9%
59.8%
47.7%
33.9%
7.5%
6.2%
2012
43.6%
60.8%
54.3%
37.9%
2.1%
1.3%
2008
44.0%
59.8%
54.5%
39.0%
1.5%
1.2%
2004
42.4%
54.5%
57.0%
45.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
43.0%
48.9%
53.4%
47.9%
3.6%
3.2%
1996
44.5%
48.1%
47.2%
44.5%
8.2%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
13.2%
4.3%
5.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
1.6%
6.5%
6.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
1.6%
2.0%
3.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.5%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
1.3%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
1.3%
0.6%
1.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.0%
0.6%
3.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
1.3%
1.0%
1.9%
Weather
Phoenix offers a hot desert climate with mild winters, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer year-round warm weather. In contrast, Columbus experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. This monthly variation allows residents and visitors to enjoy a range of seasonal activities such as skiing in winter and water sports in summer.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
12%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
49.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
55%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
28%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
Phoenix
Columbus
2018
156
69
0.38
0.11
15.2
10.0
28.5
33.8
34.8
N/A
8.6
6.0
0.6
0.0
2017
120
68
0.41
0.16
15.9
9.6
28.6
28.7
34.9
N/A
7.6
5.5
1.4
0.1
2016
114
76
0.44
0.17
15.8
10.6
27.3
28.5
30.6
N/A
7.7
5.6
0.4
0.1
2015
102
74
0.46
0.16
17.6
11.3
27.1
27.0
26.2
N/A
7.9
6.1
0.9
0.1
2014
117
82
0.46
0.20
19.6
11.0
27.6
28.5
37.0
N/A
8.5
7.4
1.1
0.5
2013
130
78
0.43
N/A
19.9
8.9
27.9
29.6
35.3
N/A
8.4
7.8
0.9
0.6
2012
157
87
0.44
N/A
21.2
N/A
28.1
32.9
41.9
N/A
8.8
8.9
1.3
N/A
2011
203
89
0.47
N/A
20.0
N/A
28.3
28.1
41.3
N/A
9.6
8.9
0.9
N/A
2010
100
90
0.48
N/A
19.9
N/A
26.9
30.5
31.2
N/A
8.3
9.1
0.9
N/A
2009
108
61
0.52
N/A
20.1
N/A
25.6
28.7
38.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.8
N/A
2008
106
65
0.48
N/A
21.4
N/A
26.6
31.2
39.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
1.8
2007
129
80
0.54
N/A
23.5
N/A
25.2
30.8
47.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
2.8
2006
131
75
0.66
N/A
25.3
N/A
24.4
30.0
50.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
2.3
3.3
2005
109
87
0.74
N/A
25.9
N/A
22.2
29.6
44.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
2.5
4.1
2004
98
77
0.77
N/A
25.5
N/A
23.4
27.8
32.8
24.6
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.4
2003
101
91
0.90
N/A
26.8
N/A
23.7
26.4
42.6
23.9
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.1
2002
111
93
0.98
N/A
28.7
N/A
23.6
31.3
41.8
25.7
N/A
N/A
1.6
4.1
2001
106
84
1.00
N/A
28.6
N/A
22.3
29.2
37.8
25.9
N/A
N/A
1.5
3.5
2000
117
57
1.14
N/A
29.9
N/A
24.6
N/A
45.6
23.5
N/A
N/A
1.7
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
16%
Transportation
Both Phoenix and Columbus have extensive public transit systems, with buses serving as the primary mode of public transport. However, commuting times can be longer in both cities compared to national averages, slightly tipping in favor of Columbus. Both cities are car-centric, and owning a vehicle is beneficial for commutes and general transport.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Bicycle
0.4%
0.6%
Bus
1.8%
1.6%
Carpooled
12.2%
7.4%
Car alone
81.8%
86.7%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Average
28.6 min
26.1 min
Other means
26.4 min
21.7 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
35.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Phoenix has been booming due to its growing population, appealing climate, and job opportunities, making it attractive to investors. Conversely, the housing market in Columbus is stable, with reasonable prices and steady demand, offering a good balance for both buyers and sellers.
Neighborhoods
Phoenix has varied neighborhoods suiting different lifestyles, including bustling downtown areas, suburban spaces, and luxury enclaves. Columbus too offers a range of neighborhoods, from trendy urban areas like the Short North to charming suburban locales like Upper Arlington.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Houses
644,625
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Median year apartment built
1987
1982
Median year house/condo built
1983
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,371
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,110
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$219,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$233,452
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$121,729
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$215,337
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$240,711
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$121,578
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
Over $1,000,000
$27,006
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$218,726
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$229,736
Median house age
36
42
Renting percentage
42.4%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
2,007.5
House value disparities
30.8%
30.2%
Household income disparities
43.9%
42.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$89,058
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$59,295
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
13,558 (10.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Columbus
One, detached
60.3%
45.8%
One, attached
4.9%
9.1%
Two
1.4%
4.0%
3 or 4
4.4%
8.6%
5 to 9
5.0%
11.8%
10 to 19
5.3%
8.6%
20 to 49
4.1%
4.5%
50 or more
11.3%
6.8%
Mobile homes
3.1%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
20,915
State government workers
30,385
31,881
Unpaid family workers
1,048
724
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix is known for its diversity in job opportunities, with healthcare, education, and retail being the dominant industries. Contrarily, Columbus is a thriving center for finance, insurance, educational services, and healthcare. Both cities offer wide-ranging skilled and unskilled employment opportunities, making them viable places to relocate for work.
Phoenix has excellent healthcare facilities, including Banner-University Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. Columbus also boasts top-quality healthcare, with facilities like Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital, making both cities a good choice for healthcare services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix has excellent infrastructure, boasting an international airport, extensive highway system, and modern buildings. Columbus also offers robust infrastructure, with an international airport, developed roadways, and several infrastructure development projects in the pipeline, including new downtown buildings and transit systems.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Columbus
Hospitals
48
47
TV stations
22
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
263
200
Bank institutions located here
41
25
Main business address for public companies
41
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Columbus
1999
5,846
2,450
2000
4,847
2,376
2001
3,823
1,897
2002
3,472
1,483
2003
5,750
2,087
2004
9,848
3,216
2005
15,879
4,275
2006
18,392
4,662
2007
9,797
2,679
2008
3,130
1,015
2009
1,614
555
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its vibrant Southwest culture, offering a blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influence visible in its food, art, and festivals. Columbus is a multicultural city with a thriving arts scene, nationally-renowned festivals, and diverse food options, including renowned food trucks and international cuisine.
Sports Teams
Phoenix offers several professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB). Columbus is home to the Blue Jackets (NHL) and has a strong college sports culture, with the Ohio State Buckeyes being a significant local attraction.
Phoenix, AZ
Columbus, OH
