Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Fuquay-Varina, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 2.2% cheaper than Fuquay-Varina, NC. This translates to saving $162 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Fuquay-Varina, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fuquay-Varina, NC, you'd need approximately $148,058.663 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fuquay-Varina, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.6% cheaper than in Fuquay-Varina, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,475/month in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fuquay-Varina, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Fuquay-Varina, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $162 per month, or $1941 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Fuquay-Varina, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $162/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$162

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$436K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$263K

Fuquay-Varina, NC

The Tar Heel State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 44K 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: Fuquay-Varina, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Fuquay-Varina, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,218/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $148more	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$532/mo	$464/mo	↓ $67.65less	12.7%
📦Other	$1,619/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $62.37less	3.9%
🏠Housing	$2,107/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $54.02less	2.6%
🛒Groceries	$934/mo	$969/mo	↑ $35.12more	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$585/mo	$607/mo	↑ $21.94more	3.7%

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.2%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,218

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$148

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$532

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$67.65

less

📦Other

↓ 3.9%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$1,619

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$62.37

less

🏠Housing

↓ 2.6%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$2,107

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$54.02

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$934

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$35.12

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.7%

Fuquay-Varina, NC

$585

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$21.94

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC 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$1,274

To$1,020

↓ $254

1 Bed

From$1,330

To$1,100

↓ $230

2 Bed

From$1,475

To$1,315

↓ $160

3 Bed

From$1,878

To$1,575

↓ $303

Fuquay-Varina, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,650/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.

$6,995

Monthly in Fuquay-Varina, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$21.38

Difference

Home Values

Fuquay-Varina

Columbus

$436K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$436K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 40% less expensive than Fuquay-Varina

Calculate payment - Fuquay-Varina Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Fuquay-Varina, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.