Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Alpharetta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 11.2% cheaper than Alpharetta, GA. This translates to saving $842 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Alpharetta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alpharetta, GA, you'd need approximately $139,896.232 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alpharetta, GA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 9.1% cheaper than in Alpharetta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,219/month in Alpharetta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alpharetta, GA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Alpharetta, GA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $842 per month, or $10104 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alpharetta, GA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Alpharetta, GA — COL adjusted from Atlanta, GA area + state data

Current salary in Alpharetta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $842/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$842

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alpharetta, GA

Population:67K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$263K

Alpharetta, GA

The Peach State

67K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 67K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alpharetta, GA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Alpharetta, GA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,841/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $284less	15.4%
🏠Housing	$2,259/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $206less	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$572/mo	$464/mo	↓ $107less	18.8%
🏥Healthcare	$576/mo	$607/mo	↑ $31.55more	5.5%
🛒Groceries	$938/mo	$969/mo	↑ $31.12more	3.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,385/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $18.87less	1.4%

📦Other

↓ 15.4%

Alpharetta, GA

$1,841

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$284

less

🏠Housing

↓ 9.1%

Alpharetta, GA

$2,259

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$206

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.8%

Alpharetta, GA

$572

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$107

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Alpharetta, GA

$576

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$31.55

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.3%

Alpharetta, GA

$938

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$31.12

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.4%

Alpharetta, GA

$1,385

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$18.87

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Alpharetta, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$854

To$1,020

↑ $166

1 Bed

From$976

To$1,100

↑ $124

2 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,315

↑ $96.00

3 Bed

From$1,707

To$1,575

↓ $132

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,571

Monthly in Alpharetta, GA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$554

Difference

Home Values

Alpharetta

Columbus

Median Value

$263K

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$335

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Alpharetta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Alpharetta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.