Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$77,456$6,455 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Columbus, IN
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Columbus, IN
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Columbus, IN MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,233 | $14,796 | $49,320 | 19.1% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,257 | $15,084 | $50,280 | 19.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,415 | $16,980 | $56,600 | 21.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,697 | $20,364 | $67,880 | 26.3% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,000 | $24,000 | $80,000 | 31% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Columbus, IN
Based on the local median household income of $77,456/year ($6,455/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Indiana
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Indiana state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Indiana with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Columbus, IN
What is the median household income in Columbus, IN?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Columbus, IN is $77,456 per year (approximately $6,455 per month).
What is the average rent in Columbus, IN?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Columbus, IN are $1,233 for a studio, $1,257 for 1 bedroom, $1,415 for 2 bedrooms, $1,697 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,000 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Columbus, IN compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Columbus, IN is 93.0 (7% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Columbus, IN?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,415/month) in Columbus, IN requires a minimum gross household income of $56,600 per year ($4,717 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Columbus, IN?
For a typical household earning the median income of $77,456/year ($6,455/month) in Columbus, IN, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,227/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,936/month to discretionary spending, and $1,291/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Columbus, IN?
Residential electricity rates in Indiana average 17.5¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $158 per month.