Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Roanoke, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 4.0% cheaper than Roanoke, VA. This translates to saving $303 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Roanoke, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Roanoke, VA, you'd need approximately $146,365.22 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Roanoke, VA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 8.6% cheaper than in Roanoke, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,296/month in Roanoke, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Roanoke, VA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Roanoke, VA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $303 per month, or $3635 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Roanoke, VA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Roanoke, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Winston-Salem, NC area

Current salary in Roanoke, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $303/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.4K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$303

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.6K

Per year

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

Roanoke, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$202K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$263K

Roanoke, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K 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: Roanoke, VA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Roanoke, VA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,246/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $193less	8.6%
📦Other	$1,658/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $101less	6.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,267/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $99.25more	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$464/mo	↓ $68.42less	12.8%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$969/mo	↓ $15.47less	1.6%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$607/mo	↓ $9.76less	1.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.6%

Roanoke, VA

$2,246

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$193

less

📦Other

↓ 6.1%

Roanoke, VA

$1,658

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$101

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.8%

Roanoke, VA

$1,267

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$99.25

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.8%

Roanoke, VA

$533

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$68.42

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.6%

Roanoke, VA

$985

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$15.47

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

Roanoke, VA

$617

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$9.76

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Roanoke, VA 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$1,033

To$1,020

↓ $13.00

1 Bed

From$1,085

To$1,100

↑ $15.00

2 Bed

From$1,296

To$1,315

↑ $19.00

3 Bed

From$1,802

To$1,575

↓ $227

Roanoke, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,090/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.

$7,305

Monthly in Roanoke, VA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$288

Difference

Home Values

Roanoke

Columbus

$202K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$142K - $295K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 30% more expensive than Roanoke

Calculate payment - Roanoke Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$328

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Roanoke, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Roanoke, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.