Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Schenectady, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 4.3% cheaper than Schenectady, NY. This translates to saving $319 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Schenectady, NY, you'd need approximately $146,172.373 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Columbus, OH is 15.9% more expensive than in Schenectady, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,147/month in Schenectady, NY.

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

Moving from Schenectady, NY to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $319 per month, or $3828 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Schenectady, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Schenectady, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $319/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$319

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

Schenectady, NY

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$252K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$263K

Schenectady, NY

The Empire State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 69K 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: Schenectady, NY vs Columbus, OH

Category	Schenectady, NY	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,771/mo	$2,053/mo	↑ $282more	15.9%
📦Other	$1,763/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $206less	11.7%
⚡All Utilities	$556/mo	$464/mo	↓ $91.19less	16.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,025/mo	$969/mo	↓ $56.18less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$642/mo	$607/mo	↓ $34.42less	5.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,391/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $25.01less	1.8%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.9%

Schenectady, NY

$1,771

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$282

📦Other

↓ 11.7%

Schenectady, NY

$1,763

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$206

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.4%

Schenectady, NY

$556

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$91.19

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Schenectady, NY

$1,025

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$56.18

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.4%

Schenectady, NY

$642

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$34.42

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Schenectady, NY

$1,391

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$25.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Schenectady, 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$821

To$1,020

↑ $199

1 Bed

From$954

To$1,100

↑ $146

2 Bed

From$1,147

To$1,315

↑ $168

3 Bed

From$1,376

To$1,575

↑ $199

Schenectady, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,200–$1,340/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.

$7,148

Monthly in Schenectady, NY

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$131

Difference

Home Values

Schenectady

Columbus

$252K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +48%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$168K - $282K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 4% more expensive than Schenectady

Calculate payment - Schenectady 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

Schenectady, 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

Schenectady, 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.