Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Forest Grove, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 25.6% cheaper than Forest Grove, OR. This translates to saving $1923 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Forest Grove, OR?

If you earn $150,000 in Forest Grove, OR, you'd need approximately $126,921.42 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Forest Grove, OR and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 47.9% cheaper than in Forest Grove, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,662/month in Forest Grove, OR.

How much can I save per month by moving from Forest Grove, OR to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Forest Grove, OR to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1923 per month, or $23079 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Forest Grove, OR vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Forest Grove, OR — COL adjusted from Portland, OR area + state data

Current salary in Forest Grove, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,923

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.1K

Per year

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

Forest Grove, OR

Population:27K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$263K

Forest Grove, OR

The Beaver State

27K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, 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: Forest Grove, OR vs Columbus, OH

Category	Forest Grove, OR	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,941/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,888less	47.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $236less	14.8%
📦Other	$1,792/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $236less	13.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,032/mo	$969/mo	↓ $62.41less	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$640/mo	$607/mo	↓ $32.50less	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$459/mo	$464/mo	↑ $5.75more	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 47.9%

Forest Grove, OR

$3,941

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,888

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.8%

Forest Grove, OR

$1,602

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$236

less

📦Other

↓ 13.1%

Forest Grove, OR

$1,792

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$236

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Forest Grove, OR

$1,032

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$62.41

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.1%

Forest Grove, OR

$640

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$32.50

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.3%

Forest Grove, OR

$459

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$5.75

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Forest Grove, OR 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$1,108

To$1,020

↓ $88.00

1 Bed

From$1,306

To$1,100

↓ $206

2 Bed

From$1,662

To$1,315

↓ $347

3 Bed

From$2,295

To$1,575

↓ $720

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.

$9,466

Monthly in Forest Grove, OR

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,450

Difference

Home Values

Forest Grove

Columbus

Median Value

$263K

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $11.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$924

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Forest Grove, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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

Forest Grove, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

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.