Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 46.4% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $3482 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $108,214.286 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 73.2% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $3482 per month, or $41786 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 46.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,482

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.8K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$263K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Newark, NJ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $5,595less	73.2%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $477less	23.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $236less	14.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$969/mo	↓ $196less	16.8%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$464/mo	↓ $136less	22.6%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$607/mo	↓ $80.54less	11.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 73.2%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$5,595

less

📦Other

↓ 23.5%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$477

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 14.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$236

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.8%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$196

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.6%

Newark, NJ

$600

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$136

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.7%

Newark, NJ

$688

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$80.54

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference+$2,250/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,400

To$1,020

↓ $380

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,100

↓ $500

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,315

↓ $615

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$1,575

↓ $855

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$6,720

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Columbus

$484K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 46% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.