Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 7.2% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. This translates to saving $541 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $143,505.155 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 16.8% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $541 per month, or $6495 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $541/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.5K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$541

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Raleigh, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $416less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $151less	8.8%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$464/mo	↓ $81.96less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$969/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.0%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$607/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.8%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$416

less

📦Other

↓ 8.8%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$151

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$81.96

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$9.99

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$6.20

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

To$1,020

↓ $550

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,100

↓ $540

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,315

↓ $485

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,575

↓ $680

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$550

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Columbus

$512K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 49% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.