Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Decatur, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 1.1% cheaper than Decatur, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Decatur, IL, you'd need approximately $148,991.813 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 4.9% more expensive than in Decatur, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,088/month in Decatur, IL.

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

Moving from Decatur, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $84 per month, or $1008 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Decatur, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Decatur, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from St. Louis, MO area

Current salary in Decatur, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $84.02/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$84.02

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.0K

Per year

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

Decatur, IL

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$99K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:99

Median Home:$263K

Decatur, IL

The Prairie State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 69K 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: Decatur, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Decatur, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,681/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $124less	7.4%
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $95.46more	4.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,272/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $94.09more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$548/mo	$464/mo	↓ $83.27less	15.2%
🏥Healthcare	$539/mo	$607/mo	↑ $68.52more	12.7%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$969/mo	↓ $1.70less	0.2%

📦Other

↓ 7.4%

Decatur, IL

$1,681

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$124

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.9%

Decatur, IL

$1,958

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$95.46

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.4%

Decatur, IL

$1,272

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$94.09

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.2%

Decatur, IL

$548

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$83.27

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 12.7%

Decatur, IL

$539

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$68.52

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.2%

Decatur, IL

$971

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$1.70

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Decatur, 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$858

To$1,020

↑ $162

1 Bed

From$868

To$1,100

↑ $232

2 Bed

From$1,088

To$1,315

↑ $227

3 Bed

From$1,412

To$1,575

↑ $163

Decatur, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$910/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.

$6,968

Monthly in Decatur, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$48.64

Difference

Home Values

Decatur

Columbus

$99K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +8.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$84K - $114K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 165% more expensive than Decatur

Calculate payment - Decatur 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

Decatur, 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

Decatur, 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.