A comparison of Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida, provides fascinating insights into the different landscapes of the US. These cities, while differing geographically, offer unique experiences, diverse job markets, and robust social scenes. Columbus is a midwestern city praised for its thriving job market, university culture, and safety, while Orlando - globally known for its entertainment industry - is a tourism magnet that boasts a warm climate, diverse food culture, and numerous recreational opportunities.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Orlando, FL : 796.8 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 193%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Orlando has grown by 123,203 people (66.3%) during that time.
Columbus, OH, generally boasts safer neighborhoods compared to Orlando, FL. While no city is entirely devoid of crime, Columbus's crime rate is lower than the national average. In contrast, Orlando's crime rate, particularly property crime, is higher than the national average, something potential residents and visitors should note. However, both municipalities have robust police departments and various community-based initiatives aimed at maintaining safety.
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 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 2,506 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Orlando is 111 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Columbus than in Orlando.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Columbus is significantly lower compared to Orlando, largely attributed to lower housing costs. However, this can vary based on factors like neighborhood and type of residence. Food, utilities, and healthcare costs are also generally more affordable in Columbus. Additionally, Ohio residents enjoy lower overall taxes compared to Florida.
Income Tax
While Ohio imposes state income tax, Florida does not. This absence of a state income tax is a compelling advantage for residents in the higher-income bracket.
Property Tax
Columbus has a higher property tax rate than Orlando, with an average of 1.62% versus Orlando's 0.93%. This could make a noticeable difference for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Florida has a higher sales tax than Ohio, at 6% compared to Ohio's 5.75%. However, Florida does not have a state income tax, which might offset the slightly higher sales tax for some residents.
Income
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$54,167
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$36,370
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
93.5
If you make $50,000 in Orlando, you will have to make $51,390 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Their geographical conditions are diverse. Columbus, characterized by flat plains, is inland and has several rivers and creeks. Orlando, in subtropical Central Florida, features numerous lakes and is a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Both cities boast strong educational infrastructures. Columbus is home to the renowned Ohio State University and several high-ranking public and private schools. Orlando, besides numerous public and private schools, hosts the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities by enrollment in the U.S. That said, both cities promise enriching educational opportunities for residents and non-residents alike.
Columbus's economy is diversified, with significant sectors including education, healthcare, finance, insurance, and logistics. Conversely, Orlando's economy heavily leans toward tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, largely due to Disney World and related businesses. However, Orlando has a growing tech sector that is increasing job opportunities in this area.
Biggest Employers
Columbus's largest employers include Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. On the other hand, Walt Disney Company and Universal Orlando Resort are Orlando's largest employers, representing the centrality of the entertainment industry.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 990 building permits issued in Orlando in 2012 (682 more than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Orlando (Orange County), 58.8% voted for Democrats and 40.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
2020
64.7%
61.1%
33.4%
37.9%
1.9%
1.0%
2016
59.8%
60.0%
33.9%
35.5%
6.2%
4.5%
2012
60.8%
58.8%
37.9%
40.5%
1.3%
0.6%
2008
59.8%
59.4%
39.0%
40.6%
1.2%
0.0%
2004
54.5%
50.0%
45.2%
49.7%
0.3%
0.3%
2000
48.9%
50.2%
47.9%
48.1%
3.2%
1.7%
1996
48.1%
45.7%
44.5%
45.9%
7.3%
8.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
12.7%
5.6%
2.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
0.3%
3.7%
1.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
5.5%
6.8%
14.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
1.1%
1.9%
1.1%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
0.3%
3.3%
0.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.3%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.8%
2.0%
4.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
1.0%
Weather
The two cities provide contrasting weather conditions. Orlando, known for its tropical climate, offers warmth and sunshine throughout the year, with high humidity in summer. On the other hand, Columbus experiences a more varied climate with four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold, snowy winters. This can be a determining factor for those sensitive to extreme temperatures.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
72.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
77.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
47%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
48.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
14.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
74.5%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
17.8%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
79.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
61.9%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.3 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Orlando, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
Orlando
Columbus
2018
69
65
0.11
0.49
10.0
4.5
33.8
28.1
N/A
12.3
6.0
7.1
0.0
N/A
2017
68
70
0.16
0.46
9.6
4.1
28.7
28.3
N/A
13.8
5.5
8.1
0.1
N/A
2016
76
68
0.17
0.48
10.6
4.1
28.5
29.1
N/A
13.8
5.6
8.6
0.1
N/A
2015
74
64
0.16
0.51
11.3
4.0
27.0
26.9
N/A
14.2
6.1
8.4
0.1
N/A
2014
82
65
0.20
0.45
11.0
4.9
28.5
27.1
N/A
13.9
7.4
8.5
0.5
N/A
2013
78
61
N/A
0.29
8.9
4.5
29.6
26.2
N/A
14.1
7.8
8.2
0.6
N/A
2012
87
66
N/A
0.38
N/A
5.4
32.9
26.7
N/A
14.9
8.9
8.5
N/A
N/A
2011
89
72
N/A
0.43
N/A
5.4
28.1
28.0
N/A
15.3
8.9
9.8
N/A
N/A
2010
90
69
N/A
0.40
N/A
5.6
30.5
27.3
N/A
15.7
9.1
9.5
N/A
N/A
2009
61
69
N/A
0.33
N/A
5.9
28.7
27.0
N/A
16.0
N/A
9.5
N/A
N/A
2008
65
73
N/A
0.25
N/A
6.1
31.2
28.0
N/A
16.8
N/A
10.2
1.8
N/A
2007
80
83
N/A
0.37
N/A
6.9
30.8
30.3
N/A
16.9
N/A
11.0
2.8
N/A
2006
75
87
N/A
0.39
N/A
8.5
30.0
31.5
23.7
21.4
N/A
11.6
3.3
N/A
2005
87
89
N/A
0.56
N/A
8.6
29.6
29.6
27.5
18.7
N/A
12.6
4.1
N/A
2004
77
86
N/A
0.52
N/A
9.5
27.8
28.4
24.6
18.5
N/A
11.7
4.4
N/A
2003
91
84
N/A
0.44
N/A
11.0
26.4
27.9
23.9
17.8
N/A
10.9
4.1
N/A
2002
93
84
N/A
0.47
N/A
11.3
31.3
25.9
25.7
17.7
N/A
11.1
4.1
N/A
2001
84
88
N/A
0.64
N/A
12.3
29.2
26.6
25.9
19.6
N/A
12.2
3.5
N/A
2000
57
77
N/A
0.72
N/A
12.4
N/A
N/A
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
150.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
11.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
20%
Transportation
Columbus's public transit system, operated by COTA, offers comprehensive coverage of the city. Metrolink services Orlando, although a car might be more convenient due to the sprawling layout and the need to commute to theme parks and beaches.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
415
616
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
61
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Bicycle
0.6%
0.3%
Bus
1.6%
1.7%
Carpooled
7.4%
10.9%
Car alone
86.7%
83.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2.2%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Average
26.1 min
33.2 min
Other means
21.7 min
24.4 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
49.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.7%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
7.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more affordable in Columbus, with the median home price considerably lower than in Orlando. However, in recent years, both cities have experienced an uptick in real estate prices due to the increased demand for homes and rental properties.
Neighborhoods
Columbus offers a range of neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles, like Short North for a vibrant nightlife or German Village for historic charm. Orlando offers varied neighborhoods from the buzzing Downtown to the serene Lake Nona.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Houses
422,120
149,940
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1992
Median year house/condo built
1977
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
10.7 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
130,037 (86.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
49,048 (37.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
80,989 (62.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$1,141
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$1,401
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$310,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$319,800
Median numbers of rooms
5
4.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$429,298
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$232,136
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$131,385
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$225,567
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$190,092
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$309,224
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$378,951
Median house age
42
31
Renting percentage
53%
60.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
1,603.7
House value disparities
30.2%
34.3%
Household income disparities
42.4%
47.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$106,563
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$44,446
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
853 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
2,153 (6.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
33,038 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
174 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
2,480 (7.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
6
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
0.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Orlando
One, detached
45.8%
31.1%
One, attached
9.1%
10.2%
Two
4.0%
2.4%
3 or 4
8.6%
6.2%
5 to 9
11.8%
11.0%
10 to 19
8.6%
14.4%
20 to 49
4.5%
12.5%
50 or more
6.8%
12.1%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
9,860
State government workers
31,881
4,084
Unpaid family workers
724
397
Industries and Occupations
Columbus's main industries include finance, insurance, and medical research, while Orlando's predominant industries include tourism, entertainment, and leisure. Occupations in Columbus are primarily in management, professional, and related occupations. However, in Orlando, service occupations related to tourism and recreation dominate.
Both cities offer quality healthcare. Columbus is home to Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital, while Orlando houses Florida Hospital and Orlando Regional Medical Center. Both cities also have numerous specialist and primary care facilities.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Orlando
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities possess commendable infrastructures. Columbus benefits from its strategic location in the central state of Ohio, interconnected by a network of highways and railways. Orlando, while known for its extensive theme park structures, also offers an advanced road and air system, including the Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest in the country.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Orlando
Hospitals
47
10
TV stations
14
29
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
194
Bank institutions located here
25
31
Main business address for public companies
23
39
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
13
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Orlando
1999
2,450
1,290
2000
2,376
623
2001
1,897
376
2002
1,483
316
2003
2,087
778
2004
3,216
1,264
2005
4,275
2,988
2006
4,662
3,465
2007
2,679
3,112
2008
1,015
1,210
2009
555
324
Culture and Food
Both cities celebrate diverse cultures. Columbus is known for a blend of Midwestern and international palate while Orlando offers various global cuisines, influenced heavily by its robust tourism industry and diverse population.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer in both cities. Columbus is home to teams such as the Blue Jackets (NHL) and Crew SC (MLS). In contrast, Orlando hosts the Magic (NBA) and Orlando City SC (MLS). The cities also host several college sports events.
Columbus, OH
Orlando, FL
Columbus, OH and 
Orlando, FL : 796.8 miles
