Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Flagstaff, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.7% cheaper than Flagstaff, AZ. This translates to saving $954 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Flagstaff, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Flagstaff, AZ, you'd need approximately $138,556.344 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Flagstaff, AZ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 25.6% cheaper than in Flagstaff, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,479/month in Flagstaff, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Flagstaff, AZ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Flagstaff, AZ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $954 per month, or $11444 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Flagstaff, AZ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Flagstaff, AZ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Scottsdale, AZ area

Current salary in Flagstaff, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $954/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$954

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Flagstaff, AZ

Population:77K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$631K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Flagstaff, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

77K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 77K 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: Flagstaff, AZ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Flagstaff, AZ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,759/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $706less	25.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,228/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $138more	11.2%
📦Other	$1,657/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $100less	6.0%
🛒Groceries	$871/mo	$969/mo	↑ $98.02more	11.3%
🏥Healthcare	$535/mo	$607/mo	↑ $72.60more	13.6%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$464/mo	↓ $31.82less	6.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 25.6%

Flagstaff, AZ

$2,759

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$706

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.2%

Flagstaff, AZ

$1,228

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$138

📦Other

↓ 6.0%

Flagstaff, AZ

$1,657

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$100

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.3%

Flagstaff, AZ

$871

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$98.02

🏥Healthcare

↑ 13.6%

Flagstaff, AZ

$535

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$72.60

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.4%

Flagstaff, AZ

$496

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$31.82

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Flagstaff, AZ 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$1,329

To$1,100

↓ $229

2 Bed

From$1,479

To$1,315

↓ $164

3 Bed

From$1,802

To$1,575

↓ $227

Flagstaff, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,940/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.

$7,546

Monthly in Flagstaff, AZ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$529

Difference

Home Values

Flagstaff

Columbus

$631K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +46.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$611K - $651K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 58% less expensive than Flagstaff

Calculate payment - Flagstaff Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $806

Per year

Monthly Difference

$67.13

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Flagstaff, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Flagstaff, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

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.