Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Phoenix, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.8% cheaper than Phoenix, AZ. This translates to saving $959 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Phoenix, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Phoenix, AZ, you'd need approximately $138,488.372 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Phoenix, AZ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 26.4% cheaper than in Phoenix, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Phoenix, AZ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $959 per month, or $11512 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Phoenix, AZ

Tap to swap

Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Phoenix, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $959/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.5K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$959

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.5K

Per year

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

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: Phoenix, AZ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Phoenix, AZ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $735less	26.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $123less	8.3%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $121less	7.2%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$464/mo	↓ $96.72less	17.2%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$607/mo	↑ $18.59more	3.2%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$969/mo	↑ $6.00more	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.4%

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$735

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.3%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$123

less

📦Other

↓ 7.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$121

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$96.72

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$18.59

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.6%

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$6.00

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390

To$1,020

↓ $370

1 Bed

From$1,510

To$1,100

↓ $410

2 Bed

From$1,750

To$1,315

↓ $435

3 Bed

From$2,330

To$1,575

↓ $755

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,051

Difference

Home Values

Phoenix

Columbus

$414K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +30.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$274K - $957K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 37% less expensive than Phoenix

Calculate payment - Phoenix Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $806

Per year

Monthly Difference

$67.13

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

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.