Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Hilo, HI?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 23.9% cheaper than Hilo, HI. This translates to saving $1789 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Hilo, HI?

If you earn $150,000 in Hilo, HI, you'd need approximately $128,528.895 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Hilo, HI and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 51.9% cheaper than in Hilo, HI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,510/month in Hilo, HI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Hilo, HI to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Hilo, HI to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1789 per month, or $21471 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Hilo, HI vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Hilo, HI — COL adjusted from Honolulu, HI area + state data

Current salary in Hilo, HI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $128.5K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 23.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,789

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.5K

Per year

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

Hilo, HI

Population:44K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$657K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:76

Median Home:$263K

Hilo, HI

The Aloha State

44K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Hawaii, 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: Hilo, HI vs Columbus, OH

Category	Hilo, HI	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,268/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $2,215less	51.9%
📦Other	$1,189/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $368more	30.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,306/mo	$969/mo	↓ $337less	25.8%
⚡All Utilities	$723/mo	$464/mo	↓ $258less	35.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,121/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $245more	21.9%
🏥Healthcare	$553/mo	$607/mo	↑ $54.44more	9.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 51.9%

Hilo, HI

$4,268

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$2,215

less

📦Other

↑ 30.9%

Hilo, HI

$1,189

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$368

🛒Groceries

↓ 25.8%

Hilo, HI

$1,306

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$337

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 35.7%

Hilo, HI

$723

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$258

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 21.9%

Hilo, HI

$1,121

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$245

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.8%

Hilo, HI

$553

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$54.44

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Hilo, HI 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$963

To$1,020

↑ $57.00

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,100

↓ $45.00

2 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,315

↓ $195

3 Bed

From$2,186

To$1,575

↓ $611

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.

$9,160

Monthly in Hilo, HI

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,143

Difference

Home Values

Hilo

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

↑ $7.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$600

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.8%

Rate difference

Hilo, HI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Hawaii State Tax

Effective: 7.8%

$11.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.4%

$48.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,446/month

$101.4K

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

Hilo, HI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:4.5%

Property Tax:0.3%

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.