Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 14.3% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1071 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $137,142.857 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 25.5% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Madison, WI to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1071 per month, or $12857 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.1K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,071

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.9K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$427K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$263K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Columbus, OH

Category	Madison, WI	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $702less	25.5%
📦Other	$1,791/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $234less	13.1%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$607/mo	↓ $112less	15.5%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$464/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $40.98less	2.9%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 25.5%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$702

less

📦Other

↓ 13.1%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$234

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.5%

Madison, WI

$719

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$112

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.6%

Madison, WI

$508

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$43.71

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.9%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$40.98

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Madison, WI

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Madison, WI 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$1,370

To$1,020

↓ $350

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,100

↓ $505

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,315

↓ $520

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,575

↓ $850

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,122

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Columbus

$427K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 38% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison 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

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

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.