Cost of Living in Columbus, IN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $992 (excluding rent), and $2,130 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,495 (excluding rent), and $4,341 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.64 $16.64

$12.10 $12.10

$32.27 $32.27

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$60.5 $60.5

$50.4 $50.4

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.11 $10.11

$8.59 $8.59

$10.11 $10.11

Cappuccino

$4.12 $4.12

$2.99 $2.99

$5.98 $5.98

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.30 $2.30

$1.96 $1.96

$2.94 $2.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.20 $1.20

$2.02 $2.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$8.87 $8.87

$3.20 $3.20

$9.86 $9.86

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$12.07 $12.07

$8.05 $8.05

$15.09 $15.09

Milk (1 liter)

$0.75 $0.75

$0.66 $0.66

$1.03 $1.03

White Bread (500g)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.59 $1.59

$4.47 $4.47

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.84 $2.84

$2.18 $2.18

$5.65 $5.65

Eggs

$2.32 $2.32

$1.61 $1.61

$5.53 $5.53

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.28 $11.28

$4.30 $4.30

$16.39 $16.39

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$17.93 $17.93

$10.07 $10.07

$28.06 $28.06

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$9.21 $9.21

$30.03 $30.03

Apples (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$3.98 $3.98

$5.79 $5.79

Banana (1kg)

$1.24 $1.24

$1.06 $1.06

$2.15 $2.15

Oranges (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$2.53 $2.53

$10.34 $10.34

Tomato (1kg)

$4.51 $4.51

$2.91 $2.91

$6.09 $6.09

Potato (1kg)

$2.93 $2.93

$2.21 $2.21

$3.77 $3.77

Onion (1kg)

$3.20 $3.20

$2.26 $2.26

$6.79 $6.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.83 $1.83

$2.85 $2.85

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.46 $0.46

$3.07 $3.07

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.68 $7.68

$7.16 $7.16

$13.82 $13.82

Wine (Bottle)

$12.97 $12.97

$5.99 $5.99

$39.90 $39.90

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.86 $4.86

$1.94 $1.94

$6.80 $6.80

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.54 $3.54

$3.03 $3.03

$5.06 $5.06

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.67 $1.67

$1.59 $1.59

$2.23 $2.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.91 $28.91

$26.15 $26.15

$34.67 $34.67

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.70 $0.70

$0.90 $0.90

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.0K $30.0K

$23.6K $23.6K

$36.4K $36.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.3K $25.3K

$24.7K $24.7K

$25.9K $25.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$205 $205

$146 $146

$246 $246

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$45.69 $45.69

$40.39 $40.39

$55.5 $55.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.0 $64.0

$50.4 $50.4

$121 $121

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.12 $44.12

$17.16 $17.16

$49.03 $49.03

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$35.30 $35.30

Cinema Ticket

$11.86 $11.86

$8.90 $8.90

$14.83 $14.83

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$554 $554

$504 $504

$706 $706

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,925 $4,925

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.24 $46.24

$28.15 $28.15

$60.3 $60.3

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.98 $39.98

$34.98 $34.98

$60.0 $60.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.4 $72.4

$54.0 $54.0

$98.2 $98.2

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$105 $105

$68.9 $68.9

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,188 $1,188

$1,838 $1,838

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,004 $1,004

$1,505 $1,505

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,853 $1,853

$1,402 $1,402

$2,304 $2,304

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,741 $1,741

$1,182 $1,182

$2,562 $2,562

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,616 $1,616

$1,584 $1,584

$1,649 $1,649

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,623 $1,623

$1,590 $1,590

$1,655 $1,655

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,017 $4,017

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.54

6.19

6.88

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Columbus, IN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

132

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

303

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Columbus, IN - Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus, IN offers a balanced backdrop for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Overall, the Cost of Living in Columbus, IN sits comfortably within Midwest standards, with housing that runs from compact apartments to small houses and steady rent ranges compared with coastal hubs. Groceries and dining cover practical options and notable local spots. Getting around is workable by car, bike, or occasional rideshares, and coworking spaces provide affordable setups for remote work. Seasonal events bring bursts of activity that can affect lodging and dining, yet the town remains value-oriented and approachable. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods before committing.

Daily life in Columbus, IN is practical and comfortable for most nomads. For housing, start with local rental agencies, university boards, and longer leases to lock in reasonable rates; neighborhoods around the downtown core and east side tend to be walkable with shops and services. Food options mix practical groceries with charming local markets and casual eateries that won’t break the budget. Transport is car-friendly, with bike lanes and a modest bus network; coworking spaces offer day passes or monthly memberships. Errands and healthcare are conveniently accessible, and seasonal markets add variety to your routine. Columbus, IN living cost varies by neighborhood, so budget across essentials. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods by foot before renting.

Quality of life in Columbus, IN balances culture, services, and a slower pace that suits many travelers and remote workers. Use a simple budgeting framework: list essentials (housing, food, transit) plus a flexible buffer for leisure; adjust by season and neighborhood choice. Save by cooking at home, shopping at farmers markets, and choosing accommodations with longer stays when possible. Seasonality matters: spring and fall bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds; summer offers events that enrich your routine but may push short-term costs, while winter invites cost-conscious planning. Neighborhood fit often comes from proximity to dining, parks, and libraries, plus a vibe that matches your work tempo. Tip: Outline a 4-week trial in a couple of areas to compare.