Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.6% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $947 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 28.8% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Moving from Austin, TX to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

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, TX vs Columbus, OH

Category	Austin, TX	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $832less	28.8%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $184less	10.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$464/mo	↓ $76.50less	14.1%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 28.8%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$832

less

📦Other

↓ 10.6%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$184

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$76.50

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Austin, TX

$589

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, TX 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$1,585

To$1,020

↓ $565

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,100

↓ $585

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,315

↓ $680

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$1,575

↓ $950

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$982

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Columbus

$558K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 53% less 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

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.