CostIndexUSA

Bozeman, MT vs Columbus, OH Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MT
Bozeman
102.5
overall index
$2,100/mo rent
More AffordableOH
Columbus
95.5
overall index
$1,450/mo rent

Columbus is moderately cheaper than Bozeman — 6.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Bozeman, you would need $74,500 in Columbus. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing36.9%
Bozeman
139.2
Columbus
87.9
🛒 Groceries2.5%
Bozeman
96
Columbus
93.6
🚗 Transportation≈ Equal
Bozeman
103.7
Columbus
103.9
🏥 Healthcare≈ Equal
Bozeman
93.8
Columbus
94
Utilities+29.8%
Bozeman
73.6
Columbus
95.5

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Bozeman to see what you'd need to earn in Columbus to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Columbus, OH
$74,500
$5,500 less needed in Columbus

Formula: salary × (95.5 ÷ 102.5) = salary × 0.9317. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Bozeman, MT

Median Home Price
$678,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,100
Housing Index
139.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
26.9×

Columbus, OH

Median Home Price
$317,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Housing Index
87.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2×

Bozeman has 36.9% lower housing costs compared to Columbus.

Income & Job Market

Bozeman, MT

Median Household Income
$91,200
Per Capita Income
$52,000
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Population
53,293
Top Industries
EducationTechnologyTourismHealthcareAgriculture

Columbus, OH

Median Household Income
$77,400
Per Capita Income
$44,100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Population
905,748
Top Industries
FinanceRetailHealthcareEducationGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Bozeman, MT
3.6×income-to-rent ratio

72% of income left after rent (median)

Columbus, OH
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.