Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 11.1% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $830 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $140,039.526 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 11.2% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $830 per month, or $9960 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $830/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$830

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$263K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $260less	11.2%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $218less	12.3%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$464/mo	↓ $142less	23.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$969/mo	↓ $135less	12.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $54.64less	3.8%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↓ 12.3%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$218

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 23.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$142

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.2%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$135

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$54.64

less

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$1,875/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,020

↓ $260

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,100

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,315

↓ $345

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,575

↓ $415

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$809

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Columbus

$241K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 9% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $178

Per year

Monthly Difference

$14.81

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.