Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Plainfield, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 13.4% cheaper than Plainfield, NJ. This translates to saving $1005 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Plainfield, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Plainfield, NJ, you'd need approximately $137,945.471 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Plainfield, NJ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 4.9% more expensive than in Plainfield, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,431/month in Plainfield, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Plainfield, NJ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Plainfield, NJ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1005 per month, or $12055 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Plainfield, NJ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Plainfield, NJ — COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area + state data

Current salary in Plainfield, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.1K

Per year

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

Plainfield, NJ

Population:55K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$484K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Plainfield, NJ

The Garden State

55K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 55K 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: Plainfield, NJ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Plainfield, NJ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,949/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $392less	20.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,538/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $172less	11.2%
⚡All Utilities	$584/mo	$464/mo	↓ $120less	20.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,078/mo	$969/mo	↓ $109less	10.1%
🏠Housing	$1,958/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $95.08more	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$675/mo	$607/mo	↓ $67.43less	10.0%

📦Other

↓ 20.1%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,949

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$392

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.2%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,538

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$172

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.5%

Plainfield, NJ

$584

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$120

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.1%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,078

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$109

less

🏠Housing

↑ 4.9%

Plainfield, NJ

$1,958

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$95.08

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.0%

Plainfield, NJ

$675

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$67.43

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Plainfield, NJ 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$981

To$1,020

↑ $39.00

1 Bed

From$1,145

To$1,100

↓ $45.00

2 Bed

From$1,431

To$1,315

↓ $116

3 Bed

From$1,963

To$1,575

↓ $388

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.

$7,782

Monthly in Plainfield, NJ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$765

Difference

Home Values

Plainfield

Columbus

Median Value

$263K

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

Price Range

$95K - $406K

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

Plainfield, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/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

Plainfield, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.