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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
14.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,083
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.0K
Per year

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

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$263K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:114
Median Home:$558K

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Live music capital
  • Major tech hub
  • SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
40.5%
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$832
more
📦Other
11.8%
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$184
more
🚗Transportation
6.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$81.96
less
All Utilities
16.5%
Columbus, OH
$464
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$76.50
more
🏥Healthcare
3.1%
Columbus, OH
$607
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$18.59
less
🛒Groceries
1.0%
Columbus, OH
$969
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$9.99
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, TX 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$1,020
To$1,585
$565
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,685
$585
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,995
$680
3 Bed
From$1,575
To$2,525
$950
Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870$1,790/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490$2,350/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.

$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$982
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Austin
$263K
Median Value
$558K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$95K - $406K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 112% more expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$4.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$369
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.0%
Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.

Environment

Columbus
Austin
53 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
42.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Columbus, OH on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Austin, TX

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