Brooklyn, NY, and Columbus, OH, are cities on the opposite ends of the United States spectrum, each offering its own pros and cons to both residents and tourists. Brooklyn, a buzzing, diverse borough of New York City, is known for its high energy, booming economy, and cultural diversity. Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a growing city lauded for its affordability, vibrant neighborhoods, and burgeoning young professional scene. This comparison will explore various factors, such as crime/safety, weather, and cost of living, among others, to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two cities.
In terms of crime and safety, overall, Columbus traditionally has a lower crime rate than Brooklyn, making it a generally safer place to live. However, like many larger cities, both have areas of higher crime which are generally well-known and easily avoided. Residents and visitors should always take personal security measures regardless of the city they are in.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Brooklyn is significantly higher than Columbus. Housing costs, groceries, healthcare, and other basic expenses are generally pricier, a common theme in larger, more crowded cities like New York. Conversely, Columbus is often touted for its affordability, making it an attractive option for young professionals and families.
Income Tax
New York's income tax rate ranges from 4% to 8.82%, depending on income level. Ohio's state income tax rate ranges from 0% to 4.8%, again based on income level.
Property Tax
Property taxes are also higher in Brooklyn compared to Columbus. According to Tax-rates.org, the average property tax rate in Brooklyn is around 0.8%, while in Columbus, rates average about 2.1% of a property's assessed fair market value, but actual amounts depend on city and school district taxes.
Sales Tax
New York City has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.875%, which Brooklyn residents must pay. The combined rate for Columbus residents is lower, at 7.5%.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $96,462 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Brooklyn is largely flat and located on the southwestern end of Long Island. It's bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and shares land borders with Queens and Staten Island. Columbus is primarily level, located near the geographic center of Ohio, with the Olentangy and Scioto Rivers flowing through it.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
210.3 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
4,311.3 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Columbus, OH
Education
Both Brooklyn and Columbus have well-regarded school systems and excellent institutions of higher learning. Brooklyn has the advantage of access to the vast New York City school system, and numerous universities in and around NYC, including NYU and Columbia. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, which has a nationally recognized sports program and is a cornerstone of education and research in the city.
While Brooklyn's economy is largely tied to the broader NYC economic landscape, notable sectors include finance, healthcare, and technology. Columbus' economy is diverse, with a balance of education, government, insurance, banking, defense, aviation, food, clothes, logistics, steel, energy, medical research, health care, hospitality, retail, and technology.
Biggest Employers
In Brooklyn, some of the biggest employers are JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In Columbus, the Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, and Nationwide Insurance are among the largest employers.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% 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
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
2020
76.9%
64.7%
22.2%
33.4%
1.0%
1.9%
2016
79.6%
59.8%
17.5%
33.9%
2.9%
6.2%
2012
82.1%
60.8%
16.9%
37.9%
0.9%
1.3%
2008
79.9%
59.8%
20.1%
39.0%
0.0%
1.2%
2004
75.0%
54.5%
24.3%
45.2%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
81.0%
48.9%
15.7%
47.9%
3.3%
3.2%
1996
80.1%
48.1%
15.1%
44.5%
4.9%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
13.2%
7.5%
5.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
1.3%
4.2%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
1.0%
3.8%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
5.2%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
2.3%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.6%
2.0%
3.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.6%
2.4%
6.8%
VINEYARD USA
0.0%
1.3%
0.1%
1.2%
Weather
Brooklyn experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and chilly winters. The city sees an average of 25 inches of snow per year. Columbus, on the other hand, experiences a humid continental climate. Although winters can be cold and snowy, summers in Columbus tend to be hot and humid but less severe than in Brooklyn.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
12%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
49.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
27%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
55%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
28%
Wind speed - Average
10.6 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
Brooklyn
Columbus
2018
93
69
0.31
0.11
16.8
10.0
24.2
33.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
6.0
0.4
0.0
2017
95
68
0.25
0.16
17.0
9.6
24.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.1
5.5
0.3
0.1
2016
93
76
0.31
0.17
17.7
10.6
24.8
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
5.6
0.5
0.1
2015
100
74
0.38
0.16
18.2
11.3
24.1
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.0
6.1
0.7
0.1
2014
95
82
0.38
0.20
18.5
11.0
23.5
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
7.4
0.9
0.5
2013
96
78
0.41
N/A
18.9
8.9
24.4
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
7.8
1.0
0.6
2012
98
87
0.44
N/A
18.3
N/A
24.4
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
8.9
1.6
N/A
2011
107
89
0.43
N/A
20.7
N/A
23.6
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
8.9
2.4
N/A
2010
112
90
0.43
N/A
19.4
N/A
24.7
30.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
9.1
2.3
N/A
2009
104
61
0.43
N/A
21.5
N/A
20.7
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
3.1
N/A
2008
109
65
0.47
N/A
22.6
N/A
21.3
31.2
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.8
N/A
4.1
1.8
2007
121
80
0.53
N/A
23.5
N/A
20.8
30.8
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
4.8
2.8
2006
116
75
0.61
N/A
24.2
N/A
20.7
30.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
23.7
13.0
N/A
5.7
3.3
2005
107
87
0.74
N/A
26.1
N/A
19.6
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
7.5
4.1
2004
106
77
0.74
N/A
25.8
N/A
18.5
27.8
0.030
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
7.1
4.4
2003
107
91
0.81
N/A
27.4
N/A
18.4
26.4
0.021
N/A
26.9
23.9
N/A
N/A
7.4
4.1
2002
122
93
0.76
N/A
27.9
N/A
19.9
31.3
0.008
N/A
26.2
25.7
N/A
N/A
6.5
4.1
2001
121
84
0.80
N/A
29.5
N/A
22.3
29.2
0.020
N/A
27.3
25.9
N/A
N/A
7.8
3.5
2000
115
57
0.92
N/A
29.8
N/A
20.3
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
23.5
N/A
N/A
7.4
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
16%
Transportation
Brooklyn benefits from the extensive NYC subway and bus system, making commuting by public transportation common. Columbus has a robust bus system with Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) as well as an increasing focus on bike and pedestrian-friendly streets.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
149
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Bicycle
0.5%
0.6%
Bus
10.4%
1.6%
Carpooled
8%
7.4%
Car alone
22.4%
86.7%
Railroad
1.4%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
44.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.1%
Walked
8.8%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Average
44.5 min
26.1 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Brooklyn are significantly higher than in Columbus. Brooklyn's dense, urban setting doesn't offer much in the way of sprawling estates. Instead, most residents live in condos, apartments, and townhouses. Columbus offers a mix of city and suburban living, with generally more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn boasts a blend of historic neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and trendy areas like Williamsburg. Each neighborhood possesses its own unique character. Columbus also offers a variety of neighborhoods, from the vibrant Short North Arts District to the quaint German Village, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Houses
930,866
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.3
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$1,371
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$219,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
6.3
Renting percentage
72.3%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
2,007.5
Household income disparities
48.5%
42.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
13,558 (10.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
20,915
State government workers
27,527
31,881
Unpaid family workers
2,234
724
Industries and Occupations
Key industries in Brooklyn are often tied to larger NYC industries, such as finance, art, technology, and hospitality. Conversely, Columbus has a thriving finance and insurance industry, and with Ohio State University, education is a significant sector as well.
Both cities have excellent healthcare facilities. Brooklyn's healthcare scene benefits from its proximity to NYC and has several top-rated hospitals, including NYU Langone Hospital. Columbus is home to Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the nation.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Brooklyn benefits from being part of NYC, having exceptional infrastructure that includes multiple airports, a complex highway system, and a comprehensive public transportation network. Columbus' infrastructure is robust but on a smaller scale. It does host a major airport and the city is investing in its transportation network.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Hospitals
104
47
TV stations
29
14
Bank branches located here
271
200
Bank institutions located here
41
25
Main business address for public companies
9
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
40
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Columbus
Private elementary/middle schools
151
34
Private high schools
128
12
Public elementary/middle schools
405
162
Public high schools
176
64
Colleges/Universities
48
37
Culture and Food
Culture and food are standout features in both cities. Brooklyn is often considered a cultural epicenter, with food from around the world, vibrant art scenes, and diverse cultural events. Columbus is known for its burgeoning foodie culture, a variety of music festivals, and the arts, specifically driven by the presence of Ohio State University students and faculty.
Sports Teams
Sports are big in both cities. Brooklyn is home to NBA's Brooklyn Nets and NHL's New York Islanders. Columbus, on the other hand, houses the NHL's Blue Jackets and MLS's Columbus Crew. Additionally, Ohio State University's sports teams enjoy a large local and national following.
Brooklyn, NY
Columbus, OH
