Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Oswego, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.8% cheaper than Oswego, IL. This translates to saving $508 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Oswego, IL, you'd need approximately $143,900.115 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 16.7% cheaper than in Oswego, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,260/month in Oswego, IL.

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

Moving from Oswego, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $508 per month, or $6100 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Oswego, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $508/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$508

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Oswego, IL

Population:37K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$407K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Oswego, IL

The Prairie State

37K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 37K 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: Oswego, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Oswego, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,465/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $412less	16.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,501/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $135less	9.0%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.08more	8.0%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$464/mo	↓ $26.11less	5.3%
📦Other	$1,570/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $12.97less	0.8%
🛒Groceries	$973/mo	$969/mo	↓ $3.38less	0.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.7%

Oswego, IL

$2,465

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$412

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.0%

Oswego, IL

$1,501

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$135

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.0%

Oswego, IL

$562

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$45.08

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.3%

Oswego, IL

$491

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$26.11

less

📦Other

↓ 0.8%

Oswego, IL

$1,570

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$12.97

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.3%

Oswego, IL

$973

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$3.38

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Oswego, 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$865

To$1,020

↑ $155

1 Bed

From$964

To$1,100

↑ $136

2 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,315

↑ $55.00

3 Bed

From$1,731

To$1,575

↓ $156

Oswego, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,270–$1,270/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.

$7,560

Monthly in Oswego, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$544

Difference

Home Values

Oswego

Columbus

$407K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +49.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$407K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 36% less expensive than Oswego

Calculate payment - Oswego 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

Oswego, 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

Oswego, 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.