Question 1

Is Columbus, OH or Kettering, OH cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Kettering, OH is cheaper. The median home price in Columbus, OH is approximately $280,000 and in Kettering, OH it is approximately $107,500 — a difference of $172,500.

Question 2

Is Columbus, OH or Kettering, OH safer?

Accepted Answer

Columbus, OH scores higher on safety. Columbus, OH has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Low. Kettering, OH has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Columbus, OH or Kettering, OH more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Columbus, OH is more walkable. Columbus, OH has a Walk Score of 62/100 and Kettering, OH has a Walk Score of N/A/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Columbus, OH or Kettering, OH?

Accepted Answer

Columbus, OH has higher-rated schools. Columbus, OH has a school rating of 7/10 and Kettering, OH has a rating of 6.9/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Columbus, OH or Kettering, OH?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Columbus, OH	Kettering, OH
Housing
Verdict	Settle here	Think twice
Median Price	$280K	$108K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$1K	$899 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$63K ✓ Higher income	$54K
Price Volatility	Low	Low
Getting Around
Walk Score	62/100 ✓ More walkable	Car-dependent
Transit Score	26/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	80/100 ✓ More bikeable	31/100
Commute	4 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	A ✓ Safer	D+
Violent Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Property Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good ✓ Cleaner air	Moderate
Community
Schools	7/10 ✓ Better schools	6.9/10
Best for	Families with childrenRemote workersBike enthusiasts	Budget familiesFirst‑time homebuyersRemote workers who value a quiet environment

Columbus, OH vs Kettering, OH

Bottom line