Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.7% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $505 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $143,937.824 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 6.3% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Houston, TX to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $505 per month, or $6062 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $505/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$505

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Columbus, OH

Category	Houston, TX	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $211less	11.9%
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $138less	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$464/mo	↓ $87.97less	15.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $83.33less	5.7%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$969/mo	↑ $57.96more	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.23more	8.0%

📦Other

↓ 11.9%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$211

less

🏠Housing

↓ 6.3%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$138

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.9%

Houston, TX

$552

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$87.97

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.7%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$83.33

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.4%

Houston, TX

$911

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$57.96

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Houston, TX

$562

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$45.23

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, TX 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$1,220

To$1,020

↓ $200

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,100

↓ $160

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,315

↓ $185

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,575

↓ $445

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$417

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Columbus

$245K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 7% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.