Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 7.2% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $541 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $143,505.155 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 16.8% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $541 per month, or $6495 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $541/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.5K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$541

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K 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: Durham, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Durham, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $416less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $151less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$464/mo	↓ $81.96less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.8%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$416

less

📦Other

↓ 8.8%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$81.96

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Durham, NC

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Durham, NC

$601

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$6.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, NC 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$1,430

To$1,020

↓ $410

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,100

↓ $420

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,315

↓ $415

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,575

↓ $565

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$550

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Columbus

$411K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 36% less expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.