Is Columbus, OH cheaper than East Chicago, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 7.4% cheaper than East Chicago, IN. This translates to saving $552 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in East Chicago, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in East Chicago, IN, you'd need approximately $143,379.634 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between East Chicago, IN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 17.2% cheaper than in East Chicago, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $794/month in East Chicago, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from East Chicago, IN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from East Chicago, IN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $552 per month, or $6620 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

East Chicago, IN vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 East Chicago, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in East Chicago, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $552/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$552

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

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

East Chicago, IN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$125K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

East Chicago, IN

The Hoosier State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 26K 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: East Chicago, IN vs Columbus, OH

Category	East Chicago, IN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,480/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $427less	17.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,510/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $144less	9.5%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$607/mo	↑ $43.33more	7.7%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$464/mo	↓ $27.64less	5.6%
📦Other	$1,580/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $22.77less	1.4%
🛒Groceries	$976/mo	$969/mo	↓ $6.42less	0.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 17.2%

East Chicago, IN

$2,480

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$427

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.5%

East Chicago, IN

$1,510

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$144

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.7%

East Chicago, IN

$564

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$43.33

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

East Chicago, IN

$492

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$27.64

less

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

East Chicago, IN

$1,580

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$22.77

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.7%

East Chicago, IN

$976

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$6.42

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

East Chicago, IN 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$581

To$1,020

↑ $439

1 Bed

From$649

To$1,100

↑ $451

2 Bed

From$794

To$1,315

↑ $521

3 Bed

From$970

To$1,575

↑ $605

East Chicago, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$850/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.

$7,601

Monthly in East Chicago, IN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$585

Difference

Home Values

East Chicago

Columbus

$125K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +52.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$125K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 109% more expensive than East Chicago

Calculate payment - East Chicago Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $418

Per year

Monthly Difference

$34.81

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

East Chicago, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

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

East Chicago, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.