Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Salem, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 0.0% cheaper than Salem, VA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, VA, you'd need approximately $149,955.45 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 4.8% cheaper than in Salem, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,416/month in Salem, VA.

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

Moving from Salem, VA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $4 per month, or $45 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Salem, VA

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

Median Home:$296K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:100

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

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

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.3%

Salem, VA

$1,216

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$150

🏠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

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.4%

Salem, VA

$605

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$2.68

🏛️ 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 - Salem Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.9K

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.