Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH: internet compared

By the BroadbandByZIP editorial team · Updated September 2026 · How we make money

Thinking of moving between Chicago and Columbus? Here is how home internet compares in the two cities, based on FCC data as of December 31, 2025 and Census statistics.

Columbus, OH leads for fiber availability (36% vs 33%). Chicago, IL leads for gigabit-class availability (55% vs 39%).

Chicago, ILColumbus, OH
Residents2,707,648906,480
Median household income$75,134$65,327
Can get fiber33%36%
Can get cable99%97%
Can get DSL44%59%
Can get fixed wireless90%91%
Can get gigabit55%39%
Households with broadband87%93%

Top providers

Chicago, ILColumbus, OH
Xfinity: 99%Spectrum: 96%
AT&T: 89%AT&T: 92%
T-Mobile Home Internet: 87%T-Mobile Home Internet: 88%
Verizon: 64%Breezeline: 80%
Astound Broadband: 54%Verizon: 72%

Coverage percentages are the share of residential locations where each provider reports service. Availability varies by address.

Check a specific address area

Internet in Chicago, IL · Internet in Columbus, OH · Compare any two ZIP codes · Rankings

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