Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Sterling, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 36.5% cheaper than Sterling, VA. This translates to saving $2736 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Sterling, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Sterling, VA, you'd need approximately $117,167.089 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Sterling, VA and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 60.6% cheaper than in Sterling, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,219/month in Sterling, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Sterling, VA to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Sterling, VA to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $2736 per month, or $32833 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Sterling, VA vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Sterling, VA — COL adjusted from Washington, DC area + state data

Current salary in Sterling, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.2K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,736

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.8K

Per year

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

Sterling, VA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$263K

Sterling, VA

The Old Dominion State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 30K 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: Sterling, VA vs Columbus, OH

Category	Sterling, VA	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,211/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $3,158less	60.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,757/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $391less	22.3%
📦Other	$1,701/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $144less	8.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$969/mo	↓ $72.67less	7.0%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$464/mo	↓ $26.18less	5.3%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$607/mo	↓ $2.97less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 60.6%

Sterling, VA

$5,211

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$3,158

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.3%

Sterling, VA

$1,757

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$391

less

📦Other

↓ 8.5%

Sterling, VA

$1,701

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$144

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.0%

Sterling, VA

$1,042

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$72.67

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.3%

Sterling, VA

$491

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$26.18

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 0.5%

Sterling, VA

$610

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$2.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Sterling, VA 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$1,505

To$1,020

↓ $485

1 Bed

From$1,743

To$1,100

↓ $643

2 Bed

From$2,219

To$1,315

↓ $904

3 Bed

From$3,090

To$1,575

↓ $1,515

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.

$10,812

Monthly in Sterling, VA

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$3,795

Difference

Home Values

Sterling

Columbus

Median Value

$263K

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$328

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Sterling, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

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

Sterling, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.