Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 15.1% cheaper than Elizabeth, NJ. This translates to saving $1135 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Elizabeth, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Elizabeth, NJ, you'd need approximately $136,376.822 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elizabeth, NJ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.7% more expensive than in Elizabeth, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,682/month in Elizabeth, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1135 per month, or $13623 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elizabeth, NJ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Elizabeth, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Elizabeth, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.4K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,135

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.6K

Per year

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

Elizabeth, NJ

Population:136K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$501K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:85

Median Home:$263K

Elizabeth, NJ

The Garden State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 136K 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: Elizabeth, NJ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Elizabeth, NJ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,989/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $432less	21.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,569/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $203less	13.0%
⚡All Utilities	$590/mo	$464/mo	↓ $126less	21.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$969/mo	↓ $120less	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$607/mo	↓ $74.32less	10.9%
🏠Housing	$1,998/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $54.87more	2.7%

📦Other

↓ 21.7%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,989

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$432

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.0%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,569

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$203

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.3%

Elizabeth, NJ

$590

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$126

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.0%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,089

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$120

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.9%

Elizabeth, NJ

$682

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$74.32

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.7%

Elizabeth, NJ

$1,998

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$54.87

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Elizabeth, NJ 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$1,231

To$1,020

↓ $211

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,100

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,682

To$1,315

↓ $367

3 Bed

From$2,108

To$1,575

↓ $533

Elizabeth, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,700/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.

$7,917

Monthly in Elizabeth, NJ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$901

Difference

Home Values

Elizabeth

Columbus

$501K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +55.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$495K - $565K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 48% less expensive than Elizabeth

Calculate payment - Elizabeth 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

Elizabeth, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/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

Elizabeth, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.