Is Columbus, Ohio a Good Place to Retire?

Columbus, Ohio consistently ranks as one of the Midwest’s most livable cities—but whether it’s a good place to retire depends on more than weather and culture. Taxes, housing costs, healthcare access, and income planning all play a critical role.

As a fee-only financial planning firm based in Columbus, Blue Advisors helps retirees and pre-retirees evaluate whether Columbus supports their long-term financial goals—and how to plan effectively if it does.

Here’s a financial planner’s perspective.

1. Cost of Living: Affordable, but Rising

Compared to many coastal cities, Columbus remains relatively affordable. Housing costs, utilities, and everyday expenses are generally lower than national averages.

However, retirees should be aware:

Home values in many Columbus neighborhoods have increased meaningfully
Property taxes vary widely by location
Insurance and healthcare costs can rise faster than inflation

For retirees living on fixed income, cash-flow modeling is essential to ensure affordability remains sustainable over decades—not just today.

2. Ohio Taxes Favor Retirees—With Planning

Ohio is often considered tax-friendly for retirees, especially compared to neighboring states.

Key benefits include:

No Ohio tax on Social Security benefits
No state estate or inheritance tax
Retirement income credits for qualifying taxpayers

That said, withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s are taxable at the state level. Without proper withdrawal sequencing, retirees can unintentionally increase their lifetime tax burden.

Retirement in Columbus works best when income sources are coordinated intentionally.

3. Healthcare Access Is a Major Strength

One of Columbus’s biggest retirement advantages is access to high-quality healthcare systems. This is especially important as healthcare costs tend to rise later in retirement.

However, healthcare planning goes beyond access:

Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA) are income-based
Poor tax planning can permanently increase premiums
Supplemental coverage decisions are irreversible

Healthcare and tax planning must be coordinated—not handled in isolation.

4. Housing Choices Shape Retirement Quality

Many retirees moving to or staying in Columbus face a key decision: downsize, relocate locally, or age in place.

Each option has trade-offs:

Downsizing can unlock equity but may increase taxes or HOA fees
Staying put preserves stability but may raise maintenance costs
Relocating suburbs may reduce taxes but increase transportation needs

These decisions should be modeled alongside income, longevity, and healthcare planning.

5. Lifestyle and Community Matter—But So Does Planning

Columbus offers cultural amenities, walkable neighborhoods, and access to universities and arts—but lifestyle alone doesn’t guarantee financial security.

Successful retirees align:

Spending habits
Investment strategy
Tax planning
Long-term care considerations

A comprehensive plan ensures lifestyle choices remain sustainable throughout retirement.

Why a Local, Fee-Only Advisor Makes a Difference

Online advice and national firms often overlook Ohio-specific rules and Columbus-area costs.

Blue Advisors:

Operates as a fee-only fiduciary
Specializes in retirement income planning
Builds plans tailored to Ohio taxes and Columbus living costs

Objective advice matters most when decisions are permanent.

Thinking About Retiring in Columbus, Ohio?

If you’re considering retirement in Columbus—or evaluating whether it’s the right long-term fit—professional guidance can provide clarity.

👉 Schedule a complimentary consultation with Blue Advisors, a Columbus-based, fee-only financial planning firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus, Ohio a good place to retire financially?

For many retirees, yes. Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, strong healthcare access, and favorable Ohio tax treatment of Social Security benefits. However, pension taxation, IRA withdrawals, and property taxes should be evaluated before making a final decision.

What is the cost of living in Columbus for retirees?

Columbus generally has lower housing and living costs than many coastal cities, but property taxes and healthcare expenses can vary by neighborhood. Retirees should evaluate long-term affordability, not just current expenses.

Does Ohio tax retirement income?

Ohio does not tax Social Security benefits, but pensions and traditional IRA withdrawals are taxable at the state level. Proper withdrawal coordination is important to reduce lifetime tax exposure.

Is healthcare access good in Columbus, Ohio?

Yes. Columbus has strong access to major hospital systems and specialists. However, retirees should also consider Medicare planning and income-related premium adjustments when evaluating healthcare costs.

Should I downsize before retiring in Columbus?

Downsizing can unlock home equity and reduce maintenance costs, but it may also increase property taxes, HOA fees, or relocation expenses. The decision should be reviewed alongside overall retirement cash flow planning.

By James Blue, Fee-Only Advisor | Blue Advisors

James Blue is the founder of Blue Advisors, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm based in Columbus, Ohio.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed are those of the author as of the date published and are subject to change without notice. Blue Advisors is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm. Advisory services are offered only pursuant to a written advisory agreement and to clients in the State of Ohio, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and other jurisdictions where Blue Advisors is properly registered or exempt from registration. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers should consult with their financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney before making financial decisions.