Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.6% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 22.5% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Nashville, TN

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Columbus, OH

Category	Nashville, TN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $598less	22.5%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $385less	19.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$464/mo	↓ $54.64less	10.5%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$969/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.5%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$598

less

📦Other

↓ 19.8%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$385

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.5%

Nashville, TN

$519

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$54.64

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Nashville, TN

$949

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$19.99

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Nashville, TN

$607

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Nashville, TN 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$1,600

To$1,020

↓ $580

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,100

↓ $580

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,315

↓ $525

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,575

↓ $775

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$935

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Columbus

$489K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 46% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville 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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.