Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Dover, DE?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.4% cheaper than Dover, DE. This translates to saving $483 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Dover, DE?

If you earn $150,000 in Dover, DE, you'd need approximately $144,199.484 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dover, DE and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 19.4% cheaper than in Dover, DE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,188/month in Dover, DE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dover, DE to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Dover, DE to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $483 per month, or $5801 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Dover, DE vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Dover, DE — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Dover, DE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $483/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.2K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$483

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Dover, DE

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$324K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$263K

Dover, DE

The First State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Delaware, this city has a population of 40K 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: Dover, DE vs Columbus, OH

Category	Dover, DE	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $494less	19.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,252/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $114more	9.1%
⚡All Utilities	$578/mo	$464/mo	↓ $113less	19.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,038/mo	$969/mo	↓ $68.34less	6.6%
🏥Healthcare	$561/mo	$607/mo	↑ $46.46more	8.3%
📦Other	$1,550/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $7.20more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.4%

Dover, DE

$2,547

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$494

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.1%

Dover, DE

$1,252

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$114

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.6%

Dover, DE

$578

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$113

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.6%

Dover, DE

$1,038

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$68.34

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.3%

Dover, DE

$561

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$46.46

📦Other

↑ 0.5%

Dover, DE

$1,550

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$7.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dover, DE 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$933

To$1,020

↑ $87.00

1 Bed

From$941

To$1,100

↑ $159

2 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,315

↑ $127

3 Bed

From$1,651

To$1,575

↓ $76.00

Dover, DEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,220–$1,220/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.

$7,525

Monthly in Dover, DE

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$508

Difference

Home Values

Dover

Columbus

$324K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +41.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$324K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 19% less expensive than Dover

Calculate payment - Dover Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$371

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Dover, DE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Delaware State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,675/month

$104.1K

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

Dover, DE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.