Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Tampa, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 12.6% cheaper than Tampa, FL. This translates to saving $947 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Tampa, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Tampa, FL, you'd need approximately $138,640.777 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tampa, FL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 24.0% cheaper than in Tampa, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,290/month in Tampa, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tampa, FL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Tampa, FL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $947 per month, or $11359 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Tampa, FL

Tap to swap

Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tampa, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $947/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$947

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.4K

Per year

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

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$367K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$263K

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

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: Tampa, FL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Tampa, FL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $650less	24.0%
📦Other	$1,808/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $251less	13.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$464/mo	↓ $109less	19.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $81.96more	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,019/mo	$969/mo	↓ $49.96less	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.0%

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$650

less

📦Other

↓ 13.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$251

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 19.0%

Tampa, FL

$574

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$109

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 6.4%

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$81.96

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.9%

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$49.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.5%

Tampa, FL

$570

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$37.17

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Tampa, FL 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$1,850

To$1,020

↓ $830

1 Bed

From$1,960

To$1,100

↓ $860

2 Bed

From$2,290

To$1,315

↓ $975

3 Bed

From$2,930

To$1,575

↓ $1,355

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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.

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$941

Difference

Home Values

Tampa

Columbus

$367K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +42.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$251K - $989K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 28% less expensive than Tampa

Calculate payment - Tampa 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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.