Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Mankato, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 4.3% cheaper than Mankato, MN. This translates to saving $322 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Mankato, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Mankato, MN, you'd need approximately $146,141.468 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mankato, MN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 6.7% cheaper than in Mankato, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $955/month in Mankato, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Mankato, MN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Mankato, MN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $322 per month, or $3859 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mankato, MN vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Mankato, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Minneapolis, MN area

Current salary in Mankato, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $322/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.1K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$322

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Mankato, MN

Population:46K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$263K

Mankato, MN

The North Star State

46K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 46K 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: Mankato, MN vs Columbus, OH

Category	Mankato, MN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,201/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $165more	13.7%
🏠Housing	$2,199/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $146less	6.7%
🏥Healthcare	$705/mo	$607/mo	↓ $98.12less	13.9%
📦Other	$1,545/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $11.88more	0.8%
⚡All Utilities	$474/mo	$464/mo	↓ $9.71less	2.0%
🛒Groceries	$960/mo	$969/mo	↑ $8.91more	0.9%

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.7%

Mankato, MN

$1,201

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$165

🏠Housing

↓ 6.7%

Mankato, MN

$2,199

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$146

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.9%

Mankato, MN

$705

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$98.12

less

📦Other

↑ 0.8%

Mankato, MN

$1,545

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$11.88

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Mankato, MN

$474

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$9.71

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Mankato, MN

$960

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$8.91

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Mankato, MN 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$792

To$1,020

↑ $228

1 Bed

From$799

To$1,100

↑ $301

2 Bed

From$955

To$1,315

↑ $360

3 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,575

↑ $250

Mankato, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,080/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.

$7,085

Monthly in Mankato, MN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$68.52

Difference

Home Values

Mankato

Columbus

$292K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +33.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$292K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 10% less expensive than Mankato

Calculate payment - Mankato Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$500

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Mankato, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Mankato, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.