Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Northbrook, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 8.0% cheaper than Northbrook, IL. This translates to saving $597 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Northbrook, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Northbrook, IL, you'd need approximately $142,830.939 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Northbrook, IL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 17.8% cheaper than in Northbrook, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,822/month in Northbrook, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Northbrook, IL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Northbrook, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $597 per month, or $7169 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Northbrook, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Northbrook, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Northbrook, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $597/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.8K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$597

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.2K

Per year

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

Northbrook, IL

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$660K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$263K

Northbrook, IL

The Prairie State

34K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 34K 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: Northbrook, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Northbrook, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,497/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $444less	17.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,520/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $154less	10.1%
🏥Healthcare	$566/mo	$607/mo	↑ $41.47more	7.3%
📦Other	$1,590/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $33.23less	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$464/mo	↓ $29.27less	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$969/mo	↓ $9.64less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 17.8%

Northbrook, IL

$2,497

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$444

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 10.1%

Northbrook, IL

$1,520

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$154

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.3%

Northbrook, IL

$566

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$41.47

📦Other

↓ 2.1%

Northbrook, IL

$1,590

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$33.23

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.9%

Northbrook, IL

$494

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$29.27

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Northbrook, IL

$979

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.64

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Northbrook, IL 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$1,515

To$1,020

↓ $495

1 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,100

↓ $515

2 Bed

From$1,822

To$1,315

↓ $507

3 Bed

From$2,345

To$1,575

↓ $770

Northbrook, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,100–$2,100/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.

$7,645

Monthly in Northbrook, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$628

Difference

Home Values

Northbrook

Columbus

$660K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +7.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$660K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 60% less expensive than Northbrook

Calculate payment - Northbrook 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

Northbrook, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/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

Northbrook, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.