Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Renton, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 45.3% cheaper than Renton, WA. This translates to saving $3400 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Renton, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Renton, WA, you'd need approximately $109,197.576 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Renton, WA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 68.4% cheaper than in Renton, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,091/month in Renton, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Renton, WA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Renton, WA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $3400 per month, or $40802 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Renton, WA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Renton, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Renton, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 45.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,400

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.8K

Per year

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

Renton, WA

Population:104K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$783K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$263K

Renton, WA

The Evergreen State

104K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 104K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Renton, WA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Renton, WA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,493/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $4,440less	68.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,818/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $452less	24.8%
📦Other	$1,891/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $334less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$806/mo	$607/mo	↓ $199less	24.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$969/mo	↓ $86.58less	8.2%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$464/mo	↓ $6.00less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.4%

Renton, WA

$6,493

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$4,440

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.8%

Renton, WA

$1,818

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$452

less

📦Other

↓ 17.7%

Renton, WA

$1,891

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$334

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 24.7%

Renton, WA

$806

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$199

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.2%

Renton, WA

$1,056

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$86.58

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.3%

Renton, WA

$470

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$6.00

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Renton, WA 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$1,733

To$1,020

↓ $713

1 Bed

From$1,794

To$1,100

↓ $694

2 Bed

From$2,091

To$1,315

↓ $776

3 Bed

From$2,738

To$1,575

↓ $1,163

Renton, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,130–$2,310/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.

$12,533

Monthly in Renton, WA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$5,517

Difference

Home Values

Renton

Columbus

$783K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +34.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$638K - $944K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 66% less expensive than Renton

Calculate payment - Renton Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Renton, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Renton, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

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.