Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 47.7% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3576 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $107,093.023 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 72.8% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $3576 per month, or $42907 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,576

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.9K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$263K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Seattle, WA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $5,483less	72.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $533less	28.1%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $419less	21.2%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$607/mo	↓ $217less	26.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$969/mo	↓ $110less	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$464/mo	↓ $16.39less	3.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.8%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$5,483

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.1%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$533

less

📦Other

↓ 21.2%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$419

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$217

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$110

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

Seattle, WA

$481

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$16.39

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, WA 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$2,180

To$1,020

↓ $1,160

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,100

↓ $1,160

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,315

↓ $1,315

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$1,575

↓ $1,865

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$6,778

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Columbus

$808K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 67% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.