Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
You'd spend $259/month more in Columbus, OH
$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Columbus, OH
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
St. Louis, MO
Columbus, OH
St. Louis, MO
The Show-Me State
Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K residents.
Columbus, OH
The Buckeye State
Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: St. Louis, MO vs Columbus, OH
| Category | St. Louis, MO | Columbus, OH | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $1,871/mo | $2,053/mo | ↑ $182more | 9.7% |
Transportation | $1,216/mo | $1,366/mo | ↑ $150more | 12.4% |
Healthcare | $527/mo | $607/mo | ↑ $80.54more | 15.3% |
All Utilities | $535/mo | $464/mo | ↓ $71.03less | 13.3% |
Other | $1,607/mo | $1,557/mo | ↓ $50.22less | 3.1% |
Groceries | $949/mo | $969/mo | ↑ $19.99more | 2.1% |
🏛️ Local Income Taxes
Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $800–$1,480/mo
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.
Home Values
Homes in Columbus are 82% more expensive than St. Louis
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
St. Louis, MO
Columbus, OH
Additional Tax Information
St. Louis, MO Tax Rates
Columbus, OH Tax Rates
💡 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.
Environment
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com
Want to compare different cities?
New Comparison