Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Brookline, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 36.3% cheaper than Brookline, MA. This translates to saving $2723 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Brookline, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Brookline, MA, you'd need approximately $117,329.489 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Brookline, MA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 54.4% cheaper than in Brookline, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,499/month in Brookline, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Brookline, MA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Brookline, MA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2723 per month, or $32671 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Brookline, MA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Brookline, MA — COL adjusted from Boston, MA area + state data

Current salary in Brookline, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.3K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 36.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,723

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.7K

Per year

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

Brookline, MA

Population:63K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$263K

Brookline, MA

The Bay State

63K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 63K 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: Brookline, MA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Brookline, MA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,502/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $2,449less	54.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,736/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $370less	21.3%
⚡All Utilities	$697/mo	$464/mo	↓ $233less	33.4%
📦Other	$1,730/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $173less	10.0%
🏥Healthcare	$724/mo	$607/mo	↓ $117less	16.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,051/mo	$969/mo	↓ $81.62less	7.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.4%

Brookline, MA

$4,502

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$2,449

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.3%

Brookline, MA

$1,736

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$370

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 33.4%

Brookline, MA

$697

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$233

less

📦Other

↓ 10.0%

Brookline, MA

$1,730

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$173

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.1%

Brookline, MA

$724

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$117

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Brookline, MA

$1,051

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$81.62

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Brookline, MA 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$1,733

To$1,020

↓ $713

1 Bed

From$2,015

To$1,100

↓ $915

2 Bed

From$2,499

To$1,315

↓ $1,184

3 Bed

From$3,224

To$1,575

↓ $1,649

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.

$10,440

Monthly in Brookline, MA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$3,423

Difference

Home Values

Brookline

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

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$256

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Brookline, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts 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

Brookline, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.