Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 18.2% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $1364 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $133,636.364 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 36.8% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Denver, CO to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1364 per month, or $16364 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Denver, CO

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,364

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.4K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$263K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Columbus, OH

Category	Denver, CO	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,195less	36.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $218less	12.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $95.62less	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$969/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$464/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.5%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.8%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,195

less

📦Other

↓ 12.3%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$218

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$95.62

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$59.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.5%

Denver, CO

$519

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$54.64

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Denver, CO

$632

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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

Net difference+$3,681/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$1,020

↓ $700

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,100

↓ $740

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,315

↓ $875

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,575

↓ $1,295

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,648

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Columbus

$513K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 49% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$181

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.