Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Des Plaines, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 9.1% cheaper than Des Plaines, IL. This translates to saving $685 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Des Plaines, IL, you'd need approximately $141,780.823 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 18.8% cheaper than in Des Plaines, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,472/month in Des Plaines, IL.

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

Moving from Des Plaines, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $685 per month, or $8219 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Plaines, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Plaines, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Des Plaines, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $685/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.8K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 9.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$685

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.2K

Per year

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

Des Plaines, IL

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$310K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$263K

Des Plaines, IL

The Prairie State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 58K 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: Des Plaines, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Des Plaines, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $476less	18.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $173less	11.3%
📦Other	$1,610/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $53.65less	3.3%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.85more	6.6%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$464/mo	↓ $32.43less	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$969/mo	↓ $15.91less	1.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.8%

Des Plaines, IL

$2,529

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$476

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.3%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,539

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$173

less

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,610

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$53.65

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$569

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$37.85

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Des Plaines, IL

$497

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$32.43

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Des Plaines, IL

$985

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$15.91

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Plaines, 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$1,223

To$1,020

↓ $203

1 Bed

From$1,308

To$1,100

↓ $208

2 Bed

From$1,472

To$1,315

↓ $157

3 Bed

From$1,892

To$1,575

↓ $317

Des Plaines, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$1,680/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.

$7,730

Monthly in Des Plaines, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$713

Difference

Home Values

Des Plaines

Columbus

$310K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +33.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$310K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 15% less expensive than Des Plaines

Calculate payment - Des Plaines 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

Des Plaines, 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

Des Plaines, 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.