Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 6.5% cheaper than Rochester, NY. This translates to saving $487 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $144,152.041 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.6% cheaper than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Rochester, NY to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $487 per month, or $5848 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $487/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 Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$487

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.8K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$198K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$263K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K 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: Rochester, NY vs Columbus, OH

Category	Rochester, NY	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,738/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $181less	10.4%
⚡All Utilities	$631/mo	$464/mo	↓ $166less	26.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$969/mo	↓ $59.51less	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$548/mo	$607/mo	↑ $59.50more	10.9%
🏠Housing	$2,108/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $54.92less	2.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $51.17more	3.9%

📦Other

↓ 10.4%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$181

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 26.4%

Rochester, NY

$631

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$166

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$59.51

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.9%

Rochester, NY

$548

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$59.50

🏠Housing

↓ 2.6%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$54.92

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$51.17

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rochester, NY 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$1,157

To$1,020

↓ $137

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,100

↓ $209

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,315

↓ $318

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,575

↓ $393

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$351

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Columbus

$198K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 33% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$426

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.4%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.