Columbus, OH vs Gardner, KS
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Columbus
76.5
#341 nationally
Gardner
76
#395 nationally
Columbus leads in walk score (41 vs 24). Gardner leads in median household income ($91,232 vs $62,889). Columbus leads in cost of living index (93 vs 101).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Gardner, KS |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.5 (#341) | 76 (#395) |
| Population | 913,175 | 25,378 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $248,686 | $355,396 |
| Median Household Income | $62,889 | $91,232 |
| Average Commute | 23.1 min | 24 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 24 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 3.8 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 101 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+28.4 | D+8.5 |
C
76.5 Score
Columbus, OH
Ohio's capital city on the rise
Median Home
$248,686
Population
913,175
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Columbus, OH →
C
76 Score
Gardner, KS
Small Kansas city with local appeal
Median Home
$355,396
Population
25,378
Crime
Low
Walk Score
24
Midwest
View Gardner, KS →