Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Middletown, DE?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.9% cheaper than Middletown, DE. This translates to saving $514 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Middletown, DE?

If you earn $150,000 in Middletown, DE, you'd need approximately $143,827.926 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Middletown, DE and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 19.8% cheaper than in Middletown, DE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,557/month in Middletown, DE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Middletown, DE to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Middletown, DE to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $514 per month, or $6172 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Middletown, DE vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Middletown, DE — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Middletown, DE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $514/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.8K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$514

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.2K

Per year

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

Middletown, DE

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$523K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Middletown, DE

The First State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Delaware, this city has a population of 25K 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: Middletown, DE vs Columbus, OH

Category	Middletown, DE	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,558/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $505less	19.8%
⚡All Utilities	$579/mo	$464/mo	↓ $115less	19.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,258/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $108more	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$969/mo	↓ $70.64less	6.8%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.21more	8.0%
📦Other	$1,557/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $0.33more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.8%

Middletown, DE

$2,558

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$505

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.8%

Middletown, DE

$579

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$115

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 8.6%

Middletown, DE

$1,258

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$108

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Middletown, DE

$1,040

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$70.64

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Middletown, DE

$562

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$45.21

📦Other

↑ 0.0%

Middletown, DE

$1,557

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$0.33

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Middletown, DE 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$1,201

To$1,020

↓ $181

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,100

↓ $209

2 Bed

From$1,557

To$1,315

↓ $242

3 Bed

From$1,867

To$1,575

↓ $292

Middletown, DEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$1,690/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.

$7,554

Monthly in Middletown, DE

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$537

Difference

Home Values

Middletown

Columbus

$523K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$523K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 50% less expensive than Middletown

Calculate payment - Middletown Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$371

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Middletown, DE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Delaware State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.9K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,675/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

Middletown, DE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.