Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Shelton, CT?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 24.6% cheaper than Shelton, CT. This translates to saving $1843 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Shelton, CT?

If you earn $150,000 in Shelton, CT, you'd need approximately $127,879.199 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Shelton, CT and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 58.0% cheaper than in Shelton, CT. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,214/month in Shelton, CT.

How much can I save per month by moving from Shelton, CT to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Shelton, CT to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1843 per month, or $22121 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Shelton, CT vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Shelton, CT — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from New York, NY area

Current salary in Shelton, CT

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.9K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT area

Overall Cost

↓ 24.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,843

Savings

Annual Impact

$22.1K

Per year

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

Shelton, CT

Population:42K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$536K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:75

Median Home:$263K

Shelton, CT

The Constitution State

42K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Connecticut, this city has a population of 42K 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: Shelton, CT vs Columbus, OH

Category	Shelton, CT	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,889/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $2,836less	58.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,138/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $228more	20.0%
📦Other	$1,445/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $112more	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$506/mo	$464/mo	↓ $41.19less	8.1%
🏥Healthcare	$580/mo	$607/mo	↑ $27.57more	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$969/mo	↓ $12.68less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 58.0%

Shelton, CT

$4,889

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$2,836

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.0%

Shelton, CT

$1,138

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$228

📦Other

↑ 7.8%

Shelton, CT

$1,445

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$112

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.1%

Shelton, CT

$506

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$41.19

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.8%

Shelton, CT

$580

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$27.57

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Shelton, CT

$982

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$12.68

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Shelton, CT 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$845

To$1,020

↑ $175

1 Bed

From$978

To$1,100

↑ $122

2 Bed

From$1,214

To$1,315

↑ $101

3 Bed

From$1,497

To$1,575

↑ $78.00

Shelton, CTZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,620/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.

$9,539

Monthly in Shelton, CT

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,522

Difference

Home Values

Shelton

Columbus

$536K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +4.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$536K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 51% less expensive than Shelton

Calculate payment - Shelton Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$302

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

Rate difference

Shelton, CT

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Connecticut State Tax

Effective: 5.4%

$8.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.0%

$45.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,745/month

$104.9K

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

Shelton, CT Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:2.1%

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.