Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 16.7% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $1256 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $134,930.62 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 33.1% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1256 per month, or $15069 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.9K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,256

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.1K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$263K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Chicago, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,014less	33.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $314less	18.7%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $201less	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$969/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$464/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.5%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$607/mo	↑ $12.39more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.1%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,014

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.7%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$314

less

📦Other

↓ 11.4%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$201

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$59.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.5%

Chicago, IL

$519

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$54.64

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$595

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$12.39

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chicago, 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$1,600

To$1,020

↓ $580

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,100

↓ $610

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,315

↓ $610

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$1,575

↓ $905

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,631

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Columbus

$305K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 14% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago 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

Chicago, 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

Chicago, 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.