Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Lewiston, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.4% cheaper than Lewiston, ME. This translates to saving $930 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Lewiston, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Lewiston, ME, you'd need approximately $138,835.108 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lewiston, ME and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 37.3% cheaper than in Lewiston, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $920/month in Lewiston, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lewiston, ME to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Lewiston, ME to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $930 per month, or $11165 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lewiston, ME vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lewiston, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Lewiston, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $930/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.8K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$930

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.2K

Per year

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

Lewiston, ME

Population:38K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$286K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$263K

Lewiston, ME

The Pine Tree State

38K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 38K 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: Lewiston, ME vs Columbus, OH

Category	Lewiston, ME	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,274/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,221less	37.3%
📦Other	$1,258/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $299more	23.7%
⚡All Utilities	$594/mo	$464/mo	↓ $130less	21.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,262/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $104more	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$896/mo	$969/mo	↑ $73.11more	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$607/mo	↓ $10.21less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.3%

Lewiston, ME

$3,274

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,221

less

📦Other

↑ 23.7%

Lewiston, ME

$1,258

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$299

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.9%

Lewiston, ME

$594

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$130

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.2%

Lewiston, ME

$1,262

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$104

🛒Groceries

↑ 8.2%

Lewiston, ME

$896

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$73.11

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.7%

Lewiston, ME

$617

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$10.21

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lewiston, ME 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$662

To$1,020

↑ $358

1 Bed

From$709

To$1,100

↑ $391

2 Bed

From$920

To$1,315

↑ $395

3 Bed

From$1,190

To$1,575

↑ $385

Lewiston, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,210–$1,210/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.

$7,902

Monthly in Lewiston, ME

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$886

Difference

Home Values

Lewiston

Columbus

$286K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +60.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$286K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 8% less expensive than Lewiston

Calculate payment - Lewiston Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$488

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Lewiston, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Lewiston, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.