Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 16.7% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $1250 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $135,000 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 26.9% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Saint Paul, MN to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1250 per month, or $15000 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,250

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.0K

Per year

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

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$274K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$263K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K 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: Saint Paul, MN vs Columbus, OH

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $754less	26.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $218less	12.3%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$607/mo	↓ $149less	19.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$969/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$464/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$754

less

📦Other

↓ 12.3%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$218

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$149

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$59.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.6%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$43.71

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$13.66

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Saint Paul, MN 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$1,000

To$1,020

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,100

↓ $100

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,315

↓ $185

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,575

↓ $525

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.

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$1,237

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Columbus

$274K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 4% less expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$500

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.