Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Bowling Green, KY?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 5.2% cheaper than Bowling Green, KY. This translates to saving $392 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Bowling Green, KY?

If you earn $150,000 in Bowling Green, KY, you'd need approximately $145,295.712 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Bowling Green, KY and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 6.7% cheaper than in Bowling Green, KY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $968/month in Bowling Green, KY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Bowling Green, KY to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Bowling Green, KY to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $392 per month, or $4704 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Bowling Green, KY vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bowling Green, KY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Nashville, TN area

Current salary in Bowling Green, KY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $392/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.3K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$392

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.7K

Per year

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

Bowling Green, KY

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$335K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$263K

Bowling Green, KY

The Bluegrass State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kentucky, this city has a population of 76K 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: Bowling Green, KY vs Columbus, OH

Category	Bowling Green, KY	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,790/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $234less	13.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,184/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $182more	15.4%
🏠Housing	$2,199/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $147less	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$912/mo	$969/mo	↑ $57.77more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$464/mo	↓ $33.98less	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$583/mo	$607/mo	↑ $24.17more	4.1%

📦Other

↓ 13.0%

Bowling Green, KY

$1,790

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$234

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.4%

Bowling Green, KY

$1,184

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$182

🏠Housing

↓ 6.7%

Bowling Green, KY

$2,199

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$147

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.3%

Bowling Green, KY

$912

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$57.77

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.8%

Bowling Green, KY

$498

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$33.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.1%

Bowling Green, KY

$583

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$24.17

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Bowling Green, KY: Bowling Green Occupational Tax$2,700/yr (1.8%)

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

Net difference+$1,050/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$1,020

↑ $272

1 Bed

From$823

To$1,100

↑ $277

2 Bed

From$968

To$1,315

↑ $347

3 Bed

From$1,164

To$1,575

↑ $411

Bowling Green, KYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,010–$1,090/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.

$7,167

Monthly in Bowling Green, KY

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$150

Difference

Home Values

Bowling Green

Columbus

$335K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +34.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$319K - $352K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 22% less expensive than Bowling Green

Calculate payment - Bowling Green Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$256

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Bowling Green, KY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kentucky State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Bowling Green, KY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.