Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Portland, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 30.8% cheaper than Portland, OR. This translates to saving $2308 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, OR, you'd need approximately $122,307.692 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 56.4% cheaper than in Portland, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,900/month in Portland, OR.

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

Moving from Portland, OR to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2308 per month, or $27692 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Portland, OR

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Portland, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.3K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,308

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.7K

Per year

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

Portland, OR

Population:641K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$535K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:69

Median Home:$263K

Portland, OR

The Beaver State

641K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Craft beer capital
•Foodie destination
•Keep Portland Weird

Major Industries

TechnologyManufacturingFood & BeverageTourism

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, OR vs Columbus, OH

Category	Portland, OR	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,704/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $2,651less	56.4%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $368less	19.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,721/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $355less	20.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$969/mo	↓ $99.93less	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$663/mo	$607/mo	↓ $55.76less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$475/mo	$464/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.4%

Portland, OR

$4,704

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$2,651

less

📦Other

↓ 19.1%

Portland, OR

$1,925

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$368

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.6%

Portland, OR

$1,721

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$355

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.3%

Portland, OR

$1,069

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$99.93

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 8.4%

Portland, OR

$663

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$55.76

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.3%

Portland, OR

$475

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$10.93

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Portland, OR: Multnomah County Preschool for All$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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

Net difference+$2,250/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,555

To$1,020

↓ $535

1 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,100

↓ $555

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$1,315

↓ $585

3 Bed

From$2,590

To$1,575

↓ $1,015

Portland, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,580–$2,030/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.

$10,557

Monthly in Portland, OR

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$3,541

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Columbus

$535K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +7.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$351K - $760K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 51% 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

↑ $11.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$924

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.4%

Rate difference

Portland, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.