Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Gurnee, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 5.8% cheaper than Gurnee, IL. This translates to saving $436 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Gurnee, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Gurnee, IL, you'd need approximately $144,767.875 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gurnee, IL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 15.8% cheaper than in Gurnee, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,525/month in Gurnee, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gurnee, IL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Gurnee, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $436 per month, or $5232 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gurnee, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gurnee, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Gurnee, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $436/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$436

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

Per year

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

Gurnee, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$355K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$263K

Gurnee, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K 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: Gurnee, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Gurnee, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,440/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $387less	15.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,485/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $119less	8.0%
🏥Healthcare	$559/mo	$607/mo	↑ $47.97more	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$488/mo	$464/mo	↓ $23.59less	4.8%
📦Other	$1,554/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $3.10more	0.2%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$969/mo	↑ $1.61more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.8%

Gurnee, IL

$2,440

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$387

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.0%

Gurnee, IL

$1,485

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$119

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.6%

Gurnee, IL

$559

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$47.97

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Gurnee, IL

$488

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$23.59

less

📦Other

↑ 0.2%

Gurnee, IL

$1,554

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$3.10

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Gurnee, IL

$968

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$1.61

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Gurnee, IL 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$1,270

To$1,020

↓ $250

1 Bed

From$1,352

To$1,100

↓ $252

2 Bed

From$1,525

To$1,315

↓ $210

3 Bed

From$1,961

To$1,575

↓ $386

Gurnee, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$1,800/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.

$7,493

Monthly in Gurnee, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$477

Difference

Home Values

Gurnee

Columbus

$355K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +40.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$355K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 26% less expensive than Gurnee

Calculate payment - Gurnee Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Gurnee, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Gurnee, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.