Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 35.8% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $2684 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Salem, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $117,786.299 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, MA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 54.0% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salem, MA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Salem, MA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2684 per month, or $32214 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, MA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.8K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,684

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.2K

Per year

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

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$263K

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K 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: Salem, MA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Salem, MA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $2,414less	54.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $356less	20.7%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$464/mo	↓ $230less	33.1%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $160less	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$607/mo	↓ $114less	15.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$969/mo	↓ $77.46less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.0%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$2,414

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.7%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$356

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 33.1%

Salem, MA

$694

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$230

less

📦Other

↓ 9.3%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.8%

Salem, MA

$721

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$114

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$77.46

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Salem, MA 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$1,631

To$1,020

↓ $611

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$1,100

↓ $627

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,315

↓ $732

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$1,575

↓ $888

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/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.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$3,350

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Columbus

$590K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$590K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 56% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$256

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Salem, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.