Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Austin, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 1.0% cheaper than Austin, MN. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Austin, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, MN, you'd need approximately $149,105.296 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, MN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.5% cheaper than in Austin, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $787/month in Austin, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, MN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Austin, MN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $75 per month, or $895 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, MN vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Austin, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Austin, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $74.56/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$74.56

Savings

Annual Impact

$895

Per year

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

Austin, MN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$181K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$263K

Austin, MN

The North Star State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 26K 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: Austin, MN vs Columbus, OH

Category	Austin, MN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,194/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $172more	14.4%
🏥Healthcare	$703/mo	$607/mo	↓ $96.13less	13.7%
📦Other	$1,493/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $64.08more	4.3%
🏠Housing	$2,106/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $52.86less	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$958/mo	$969/mo	↑ $11.62more	1.2%
⚡All Utilities	$473/mo	$464/mo	↓ $8.37less	1.8%

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.4%

Austin, MN

$1,194

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$172

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.7%

Austin, MN

$703

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$96.13

less

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Austin, MN

$1,493

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$64.08

🏠Housing

↓ 2.5%

Austin, MN

$2,106

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$52.86

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Austin, MN

$958

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$11.62

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.8%

Austin, MN

$473

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$8.37

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, MN 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$545

To$1,020

↑ $475

1 Bed

From$603

To$1,100

↑ $497

2 Bed

From$787

To$1,315

↑ $528

3 Bed

From$1,016

To$1,575

↑ $559

Austin, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$820/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.

$6,927

Monthly in Austin, MN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$89.89

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Columbus

$181K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +41.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$181K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 45% more expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$500

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Austin, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Austin, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.