Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Lakewood, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 18.1% cheaper than Lakewood, WA. This translates to saving $1359 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Lakewood, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, WA, you'd need approximately $133,695.593 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakewood, WA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 31.1% cheaper than in Lakewood, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,530/month in Lakewood, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lakewood, WA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Lakewood, WA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1359 per month, or $16304 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, WA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lakewood, WA — COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area + state data

Current salary in Lakewood, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.7K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,359

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.3K

Per year

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

Lakewood, WA

Population:62K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$263K

Lakewood, WA

The Evergreen State

62K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 62K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Lakewood, WA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Lakewood, WA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,980/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $927less	31.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,847/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $481less	26.0%
🏥Healthcare	$813/mo	$607/mo	↓ $206less	25.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,064/mo	$969/mo	↓ $95.07less	8.9%
📦Other	$1,596/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $38.86less	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$464/mo	↓ $9.78less	2.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 31.1%

Lakewood, WA

$2,980

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$927

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.0%

Lakewood, WA

$1,847

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$481

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 25.3%

Lakewood, WA

$813

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$206

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.9%

Lakewood, WA

$1,064

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$95.07

less

📦Other

↓ 2.4%

Lakewood, WA

$1,596

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$38.86

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Lakewood, WA

$474

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$9.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lakewood, WA 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$1,033

To$1,020

↓ $13.00

1 Bed

From$1,199

To$1,100

↓ $99.00

2 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,315

↓ $215

3 Bed

From$2,150

To$1,575

↓ $575

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.

$8,774

Monthly in Lakewood, WA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,757

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

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

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Lakewood, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Lakewood, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.