Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Burlington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.4% cheaper than Burlington, NC. This translates to saving $480 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Burlington, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Burlington, NC, you'd need approximately $144,234.622 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Burlington, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 10.5% cheaper than in Burlington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $964/month in Burlington, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Burlington, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Burlington, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $480 per month, or $5765 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Burlington, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Burlington, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Durham, NC area

Current salary in Burlington, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $480/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.2K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$480

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Burlington, NC

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$263K

Burlington, NC

The Tar Heel State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 60K 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: Burlington, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Burlington, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,294/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $241less	10.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,235/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $131more	10.6%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $117less	7.0%
⚡All Utilities	$536/mo	$464/mo	↓ $71.37less	13.3%
🛒Groceries	$941/mo	$969/mo	↑ $28.59more	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $17.85more	3.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 10.5%

Burlington, NC

$2,294

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$241

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 10.6%

Burlington, NC

$1,235

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$131

📦Other

↓ 7.0%

Burlington, NC

$1,674

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 13.3%

Burlington, NC

$536

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$71.37

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.0%

Burlington, NC

$941

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$28.59

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.0%

Burlington, NC

$589

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$17.85

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Burlington, NC 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$711

To$1,020

↑ $309

1 Bed

From$875

To$1,100

↑ $225

2 Bed

From$964

To$1,315

↑ $351

3 Bed

From$1,193

To$1,575

↑ $382

Burlington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,070/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.

$7,269

Monthly in Burlington, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$252

Difference

Home Values

Burlington

Columbus

$218K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +53.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$218K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 20% more expensive than Burlington

Calculate payment - Burlington Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Burlington, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Burlington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.