Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Skokie, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 9.4% cheaper than Skokie, IL. This translates to saving $703 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Skokie, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Skokie, IL, you'd need approximately $141,562.773 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Skokie, IL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 19.0% cheaper than in Skokie, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,464/month in Skokie, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Skokie, IL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Skokie, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $703 per month, or $8437 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Skokie, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Skokie, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Skokie, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $703/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$703

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

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

Skokie, IL

Population:65K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$386K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$263K

Skokie, IL

The Prairie State

65K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 65K 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: Skokie, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Skokie, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,535/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $482less	19.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,544/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $178less	11.5%
📦Other	$1,615/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $57.96less	3.6%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.09more	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$464/mo	↓ $33.09less	6.7%
🛒Groceries	$986/mo	$969/mo	↓ $17.22less	1.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.0%

Skokie, IL

$2,535

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$482

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.5%

Skokie, IL

$1,544

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$178

less

📦Other

↓ 3.6%

Skokie, IL

$1,615

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$57.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.5%

Skokie, IL

$570

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$37.09

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.7%

Skokie, IL

$498

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$33.09

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.7%

Skokie, IL

$986

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$17.22

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Skokie, IL 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$1,218

To$1,020

↓ $198

1 Bed

From$1,300

To$1,100

↓ $200

2 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,315

↓ $149

3 Bed

From$1,886

To$1,575

↓ $311

Skokie, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,730/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.

$7,748

Monthly in Skokie, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$731

Difference

Home Values

Skokie

Columbus

$386K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +33.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$347K - $424K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 32% less expensive than Skokie

Calculate payment - Skokie Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Skokie, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Skokie, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.