Looking to relocate or simply visit and explore? Both Bronx, New York, and Columbus, Ohio offer unique experiences with distinctive atmospheres. While the Bronx offers a vibrant, bustling urban environment with a famously diverse culture, Columbus provides a more relaxed midwestern charm combined with a booming economy and affordability. Both cities have their pros and cons, whether considering crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, or work opportunities.
The Bronx, like many urban areas, has higher crime rates compared to Columbus, Ohio. However, crime varies significantly across Bronx neighborhoods, with some areas having lower crime rates. Columbus also has its high-crime areas, but on average, it's safer than the Bronx. Both cities have effective law enforcement agencies that continually work on reducing crime and enhancing public safety.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, Columbus is much more affordable than the Bronx, which reflects the general cost difference between the Midwest and the metropolitan areas of the East Coast. Everything from housing to groceries and transport is generally cheaper in Columbus than in the Bronx.
Income Tax
New York state income tax, which applies in the Bronx, ranges from 4% to 8.82%. In contrast, Ohio state income tax is lower, ranging from 0% to 4.797%.
Property Tax
The property tax in the Bronx, as part of New York City, is relatively high compared to Columbus. The average property tax rate in Columbus is considerably lower, making homeownership more affordable.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in the Bronx, combined with New York City and state tax, is 8.875%, while Columbus has a lower rate of 7.5%, combining Ohio state and city sales tax.
Income
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$58,202
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$32,392
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
96.1
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $89,906 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, the Bronx is a part of a larger metropolitan area, bordered by the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean. Columbus is landlocked, characterized by flat terrain and the Scioto and Olentangy rivers flowing through the city.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Land area
42 sq. miles
210.3 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
4,311.3 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
800 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Columbus, OH
Education
Both the Bronx and Columbus have a variety of educational opportunities. Columbus is home to the Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S, while the Bronx boasts prestigious institutions like Fordham University and a proximity to some of the country's top universities in New York City.
Job markets in both cities differ significantly. The Bronx has a diverse economy with health care, education, and retail being dominant sectors. Columbus, on the other hand, has a strong economy with finance, insurance, education, government, and health care offering a host of job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
The top employers in the Bronx are Montefiore Medical Centre, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, and the City of New York. Columbus is home to Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase as among the largest employers.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% 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
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
2020
83.7%
64.7%
16.0%
33.4%
0.3%
1.9%
2016
88.6%
59.8%
9.5%
33.9%
2.0%
6.2%
2012
91.9%
60.8%
8.1%
37.9%
0.0%
1.3%
2008
89.0%
59.8%
11.0%
39.0%
0.0%
1.2%
2004
82.9%
54.5%
16.5%
45.2%
0.6%
0.3%
2000
86.5%
48.9%
11.8%
47.9%
1.7%
3.2%
1996
85.8%
48.1%
10.5%
44.5%
3.7%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
13.2%
11.5%
5.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
1.3%
3.9%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
1.0%
4.4%
3.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
6.5%
2.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
3.7%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
1.6%
2.6%
3.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.6%
2.4%
6.8%
Weather
When it comes to weather, these two cities considerably differ. The Bronx experiences all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters, while Columbus also has a full four-season climate but can have colder winters and milder summers. Columbus also tends to have more rainfall annually than the Bronx.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
52.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
74.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
39.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
56.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
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
10.7 mph
8.2 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
Bronx
Columbus
2018
102
69
0.31
0.11
15.8
10.0
24.4
33.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
6.0
0.6
0.0
2017
100
68
0.04
0.16
15.7
9.6
24.6
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
5.5
0.6
0.1
2016
98
76
0.30
0.17
16.4
10.6
24.6
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.2
5.6
0.8
0.1
2015
105
74
0.28
0.16
18.0
11.3
23.6
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
6.1
1.4
0.1
2014
99
82
0.32
0.20
18.0
11.0
23.6
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
7.4
1.7
0.5
2013
103
78
0.39
N/A
18.9
8.9
23.5
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
7.8
2.1
0.6
2012
104
87
0.44
N/A
18.8
N/A
23.9
32.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.9
3.1
N/A
2011
113
89
0.46
N/A
20.9
N/A
22.1
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
8.9
4.5
N/A
2010
113
90
0.53
N/A
20.2
N/A
23.7
30.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
9.1
4.7
N/A
2009
107
61
0.53
N/A
22.3
N/A
19.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
N/A
5.4
N/A
2008
114
65
0.53
N/A
23.3
N/A
19.9
31.2
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
N/A
5.9
1.8
2007
122
80
0.60
N/A
24.6
N/A
19.1
30.8
0.016
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
N/A
7.0
2.8
2006
120
75
0.50
N/A
25.0
N/A
18.9
30.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
23.7
12.8
N/A
7.0
3.3
2005
115
87
0.60
N/A
27.0
N/A
17.8
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
27.5
N/A
N/A
9.3
4.1
2004
109
77
0.62
N/A
25.6
N/A
16.7
27.8
0.030
N/A
N/A
24.6
N/A
N/A
8.8
4.4
2003
110
91
0.75
N/A
27.4
N/A
17.1
26.4
0.022
N/A
26.9
23.9
N/A
N/A
8.9
4.1
2002
124
93
0.67
N/A
27.9
N/A
17.4
31.3
0.008
N/A
25.0
25.7
N/A
N/A
8.6
4.1
2001
126
84
0.66
N/A
30.0
N/A
17.8
29.2
0.020
N/A
22.8
25.9
N/A
N/A
10.0
3.5
2000
115
57
0.68
N/A
29.4
N/A
16.0
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
23.5
N/A
N/A
10.2
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
119.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
96.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
16%
Transportation
Public transportation in the Bronx, part of the larger New York City Transit system, is extensive and available 24/7, making commuting easier. Columbus's transit system supports buses and bike share programs, but a car might be more necessary for commuting due to less coverage of public transit.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
39
415
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Bicycle
0.2%
0.6%
Bus
15.6%
1.6%
Carpooled
9.3%
7.4%
Car alone
27%
86.7%
Railroad
2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.6%
0%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.1%
Walked
7.2%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Average
44.2 min
26.1 min
Real Estate
Real estate prices in the Bronx are higher than in Columbus, reflecting the overall cost of living difference between the two cities. Columbus has a more affordable and less competitive housing market compared to the Bronx.
Neighborhoods
The Bronx has distinct neighborhoods like Riverdale, Morris Park, and Pelham Gardens, each offering a unique living experience. Columbus, similarly, has diverse neighborhoods such as German Village, Victorian Village, and Grandview Heights.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Houses
490,659
422,120
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.3
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
390,605 (92.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
175,427 (44.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
215,178 (55.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$1,371
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$195,022
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$219,200
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
6.3
Renting percentage
80.7%
53%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
2,007.5
Household income disparities
50.2%
42.4%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
4,290 (3.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
10,651 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
125,487 (96.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
775 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
13,558 (10.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
20,915
State government workers
14,515
31,881
Unpaid family workers
1,000
724
Industries and Occupations
In the Bronx, the leading industries are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. Columbus is known for its finance and insurance sector, educational services, and health care.
Both cities have excellent health care facilities. The Bronx is home to the Montefiore Medical Center, while the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus is one of the leading hospitals in the country.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Columbus
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Being part of the major city of New York, the Bronx boasts well-developed infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and utilities. Columbus also has robust infrastructure but less population density and resulting congestion.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Hospitals
57
47
TV stations
30
14
Bank branches located here
118
200
Bank institutions located here
24
25
Main business address for public companies
2
23
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
40
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Columbus
Private elementary/middle schools
54
34
Private high schools
20
12
Public elementary/middle schools
285
162
Public high schools
155
64
Colleges/Universities
9
37
Culture and Food
The diverse cultural mix of the Bronx gives it an unmatched vibrancy, reflected in its rich food scene, arts, and music. Columbus also boasts a rich cultural life with a variety of food, music festivals, and art galleries but has a more midwestern feel.
Sports Teams
The Bronx is home to the world-famous New York Yankees. Columbus hosts the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, the MLS's Columbus Crew, and Ohio State Buckeyes college football team.
Bronx, NY
Columbus, OH
Bronx, NY and 
Columbus, OH : 483.0 miles
