Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Garner, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 1.7% cheaper than Garner, NC. This translates to saving $125 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Garner, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Garner, NC, you'd need approximately $148,498.682 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Garner, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.1% cheaper than in Garner, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,331/month in Garner, NC.

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

Moving from Garner, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $125 per month, or $1501 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Garner, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Garner, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $125/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.5K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$125

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.5K

Per year

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

Garner, NC

Population:35K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$381K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$263K

Garner, NC

The Tar Heel State

35K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 35K 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: Garner, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Garner, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,212/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $154more	12.7%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$464/mo	↓ $66.32less	12.5%
📦Other	$1,611/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $54.32less	3.4%
🏠Housing	$2,097/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $43.55less	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$932/mo	$969/mo	↑ $37.45more	4.0%
🏥Healthcare	$584/mo	$607/mo	↑ $23.40more	4.0%

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.7%

Garner, NC

$1,212

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$154

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.5%

Garner, NC

$531

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$66.32

less

📦Other

↓ 3.4%

Garner, NC

$1,611

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$54.32

less

🏠Housing

↓ 2.1%

Garner, NC

$2,097

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$43.55

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.0%

Garner, NC

$932

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$37.45

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.0%

Garner, NC

$584

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$23.40

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Garner, 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$1,163

To$1,020

↓ $143

1 Bed

From$1,211

To$1,100

↓ $111

2 Bed

From$1,331

To$1,315

↓ $16.00

3 Bed

From$1,668

To$1,575

↓ $93.00

Garner, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,510/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.

$6,966

Monthly in Garner, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$51.07

Difference

Home Values

Garner

Columbus

$381K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +36.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$381K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 31% less expensive than Garner

Calculate payment - Garner 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

Garner, 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

Garner, 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.