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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.71/month moving to Columbus, OH

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↓ 0.0%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$3.71
Savings
Annual Impact
$44.55
Per year

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

Salem, VA

Population:26K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$296K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:
100
(0% below avg)
Median Home:$263K

Salem, VA

The Old Dominion State

26K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 26K 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, VA vs Columbus, OH

Transportation
↑ 12.3%
Salem, VA
$1,216
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Difference
$150
more
Housing
↓ 4.8%
Salem, VA
$2,156
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Difference
$103
less
All Utilities
↓ 11.0%
Salem, VA
$522
Columbus, OH
$464
Difference
$57.68
less
Other
↓ 2.2%
Salem, VA
$1,592
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Difference
$35.21
less
Groceries
↑ 0.5%
Salem, VA
$965
Columbus, OH
$969
Difference
$4.38
more
Healthcare
↑ 0.4%
Salem, VA
$605
Columbus, OH
$607
Difference
$2.68
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Salem, 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$1,133
To$1,020
↓ $113
1 Bed
From$1,194
To$1,100
↓ $94.00
2 Bed
From$1,416
To$1,315
↓ $101
3 Bed
From$1,973
To$1,575
↓ $398
Salem, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,180/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.

$7,056
Monthly in Salem, VA
$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$38.99
Difference

Home Values

Salem
Columbus
$296K
Median Value
$263K
↑ +3.3%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +39.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +28.8%
$296K
Price Range
$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 11% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - SalemCalculate 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

Salem, 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

Salem, 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.

Environment

Salem
Columbus
47 Good
Air Quality
53 Moderate
57.4%
Good Air Days
41.3%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
▲+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
30 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

What to Consider When Moving from Salem, VA to Columbus, OH

Relocating from Salem, VA to Columbus, OH involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 0% lower in Columbus, OH, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Columbus, OH is 5% cheaper than in Salem, VA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Columbus, OH pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Columbus, OH to match your current standard of living in Salem, VA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Columbus, OH for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Salem, VA vs Columbus, OH

Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Salem, VA?

Salem, VA and Columbus, OH have very similar costs of living, with less than 1% difference overall. Your monthly expenses would be roughly the same in either city.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to match my lifestyle in Salem, VA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Salem, VA, you would need approximately $149,955 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Salem, VA and Columbus, OH?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,416/month in Salem, VA compared to $1,315/month in Columbus, OH. One-bedroom apartments are $1,194/month in Salem, VA vs $1,100/month in Columbus, OH. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Salem, VA or Columbus, OH?

Grocery prices are very similar between Salem, VA and Columbus, OH, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Salem, VA to Columbus, OH?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Virginia and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Salem, VA on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $254/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $254/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $87.00/mo
4.Kansas City, MO
Save $3.71/mo

Similar cost to Columbus, OH

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