Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Buffalo Grove, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 8.3% cheaper than Buffalo Grove, IL. This translates to saving $623 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Buffalo Grove, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo Grove, IL, you'd need approximately $142,529.625 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo Grove, IL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 18.1% cheaper than in Buffalo Grove, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,976/month in Buffalo Grove, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Buffalo Grove, IL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Buffalo Grove, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $623 per month, or $7470 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo Grove, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Buffalo Grove, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Buffalo Grove, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $623/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.5K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$623

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.5K

Per year

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

Buffalo Grove, IL

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$425K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$263K

Buffalo Grove, IL

The Prairie State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 42K 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: Buffalo Grove, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Buffalo Grove, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,506/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $453less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,525/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $159less	10.5%
🏥Healthcare	$567/mo	$607/mo	↑ $40.44more	7.1%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $39.04less	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$495/mo	$464/mo	↓ $30.17less	6.1%
🛒Groceries	$981/mo	$969/mo	↓ $11.43less	1.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.1%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$2,506

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$453

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.5%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$1,525

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$159

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.1%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$567

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$40.44

📦Other

↓ 2.4%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$1,596

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$39.04

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.1%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$495

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$30.17

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.2%

Buffalo Grove, IL

$981

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$11.43

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Buffalo Grove, IL 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$1,644

To$1,020

↓ $624

1 Bed

From$1,752

To$1,100

↓ $652

2 Bed

From$1,976

To$1,315

↓ $661

3 Bed

From$2,547

To$1,575

↓ $972

Buffalo Grove, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,270–$2,270/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.

$7,669

Monthly in Buffalo Grove, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$652

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo Grove

Columbus

$425K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +5.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +41.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$425K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 38% less expensive than Buffalo Grove

Calculate payment - Buffalo Grove Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Buffalo Grove, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Buffalo Grove, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.