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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $368/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Salt Lake City, UT area
Overall Cost
↓ 4.9%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$368
Savings
Annual Impact
$4.4K
Per year

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

Orem, UT

Population:96K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$466K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:
95
(5% below avg)
Median Home:$263K

Orem, UT

The Beehive State

96K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Utah, this city has a population of 96K 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: Orem, UT vs Columbus, OH

Housing
↓ 14.5%
Orem, UT
$2,401
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Difference
$348
less
Transportation
↑ 15.5%
Orem, UT
$1,183
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Difference
$183
more
Groceries
↑ 4.8%
Orem, UT
$925
Columbus, OH
$969
Difference
$43.96
more
Other
↓ 1.7%
Orem, UT
$1,584
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Difference
$27.48
less
All Utilities
↑ 1.1%
Orem, UT
$460
Columbus, OH
$464
Difference
$4.94
more
Healthcare
↓ 0.3%
Orem, UT
$609
Columbus, OH
$607
Difference
$1.67
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Orem, UT 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$903
To$1,020
↑ $117
1 Bed
From$911
To$1,100
↑ $189
2 Bed
From$1,047
To$1,315
↑ $268
3 Bed
From$1,457
To$1,575
↑ $118
Orem, UTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,200–$1,200/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.

$7,162
Monthly in Orem, UT
$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$146
Difference

Home Values

Orem
Columbus
$466K
Median Value
$263K
↑ +3.8%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +36%
5-Year Change
↑ +28.8%
$466K
Price Range
$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 44% less expensive than Orem

Calculate payment - OremCalculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $2.8K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$237
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.9%
Rate difference

Orem, UT

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Utah State Tax
Effective: 4.9%
$7.3K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.5%
$44.3K
Take-Home Pay
$8,809/month
$105.7K

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

Orem, UT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
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.

Environment

Orem
Columbus
44 Good
Air Quality
53 Moderate
62.8%
Good Air Days
41.3%
88 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🔥💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
49 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
49 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

What to Consider When Moving from Orem, UT to Columbus, OH

Relocating from Orem, UT to Columbus, OH involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 5% lower in Columbus, OH, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Columbus, OH is 15% cheaper than in Orem, UT. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Columbus, OH pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Columbus, OH to match your current standard of living in Orem, UT.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Columbus, OH for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Orem, UT vs Columbus, OH

Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Orem, UT?

Yes, Columbus, OH is about 4.9% cheaper than Orem, UT. You could save approximately $368/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 15% lower in Columbus, OH.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to match my lifestyle in Orem, UT?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Orem, UT, you would need approximately $145,586 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Orem, UT and Columbus, OH?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,047/month in Orem, UT compared to $1,315/month in Columbus, OH. One-bedroom apartments are $911/month in Orem, UT vs $1,100/month in Columbus, OH. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Orem, UT or Columbus, OH?

Groceries are about 5% more expensive in Columbus, OH than in Orem, UT, which adds roughly $43.96/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Orem, UT to Columbus, OH?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Utah and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Orem, UT on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $606/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $606/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $447/mo
4.Kansas City, MO
Save $368/mo
5.San Antonio, TX
Save $289/mo

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