Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Elk River, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 11.2% cheaper than Elk River, MN. This translates to saving $839 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Elk River, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Elk River, MN, you'd need approximately $139,927.901 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elk River, MN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 13.4% cheaper than in Elk River, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,276/month in Elk River, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elk River, MN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Elk River, MN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $839 per month, or $10072 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elk River, MN vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Elk River, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Minneapolis, MN area

Current salary in Elk River, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $839/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$839

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

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

Elk River, MN

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$403K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$263K

Elk River, MN

The North Star State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 27K 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: Elk River, MN vs Columbus, OH

Category	Elk River, MN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,370/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $317less	13.4%
🏥Healthcare	$732/mo	$607/mo	↓ $125less	17.1%
📦Other	$1,665/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $108less	6.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,295/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $71.40more	5.5%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$464/mo	↓ $27.80less	5.6%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$969/mo	↓ $27.72less	2.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.4%

Elk River, MN

$2,370

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$317

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.1%

Elk River, MN

$732

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$125

less

📦Other

↓ 6.5%

Elk River, MN

$1,665

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$108

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.5%

Elk River, MN

$1,295

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$71.40

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

Elk River, MN

$492

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$27.80

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Elk River, MN

$997

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$27.72

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Elk River, MN 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$925

To$1,020

↑ $95.00

1 Bed

From$1,053

To$1,100

↑ $47.00

2 Bed

From$1,276

To$1,315

↑ $39.00

3 Bed

From$1,691

To$1,575

↓ $116

Elk River, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$1,320/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.

$7,551

Monthly in Elk River, MN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$535

Difference

Home Values

Elk River

Columbus

$403K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +1.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +26.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$403K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 35% less expensive than Elk River

Calculate payment - Elk River Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$500

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Elk River, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Elk River, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.