Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 15.1% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $1132 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $136,415.094 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 21.8% cheaper than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

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

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1132 per month, or $13585 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.4K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 15.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,132

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.6K

Per year

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

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$263K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

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: Atlanta, GA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Atlanta, GA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $572less	21.8%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $368less	19.1%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$464/mo	↓ $120less	20.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $81.96less	5.7%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.8%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$572

less

📦Other

↓ 19.1%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$368

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.6%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$120

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.7%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Atlanta, 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$1,865

To$1,020

↓ $845

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,100

↓ $850

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,315

↓ $825

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$1,575

↓ $990

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

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.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,114

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Columbus

$441K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 40% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta 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

Atlanta, 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

Atlanta, 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.