Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.5% cheaper than Portland, ME. This translates to saving $484 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $144,189.493 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, ME and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 33.0% cheaper than in Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,202/month in Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Portland, ME to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $484 per month, or $5811 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, ME vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portland, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $484/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$484

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Portland, ME

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$527K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$263K

Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 69K 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: Portland, ME vs Columbus, OH

Category	Portland, ME	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,013less	33.0%
📦Other	$1,178/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $379more	32.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,182/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $184more	15.6%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$464/mo	↓ $111less	19.3%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$969/mo	↑ $102more	11.8%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$607/mo	↑ $9.74more	1.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 33.0%

Portland, ME

$3,066

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,013

less

📦Other

↑ 32.1%

Portland, ME

$1,178

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$379

🚗Transportation

↑ 15.6%

Portland, ME

$1,182

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$184

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.3%

Portland, ME

$575

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$111

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 11.8%

Portland, ME

$867

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$102

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.6%

Portland, ME

$597

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$9.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Portland, ME 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$829

To$1,020

↑ $191

1 Bed

From$939

To$1,100

↑ $161

2 Bed

From$1,202

To$1,315

↑ $113

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,575

↑ $115

Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,780/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.

$7,466

Monthly in Portland, ME

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$449

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Columbus

$527K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$510K - $642K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 50% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$488

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.