Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Towson, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 10.7% cheaper than Towson, MD. This translates to saving $799 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Towson, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Towson, MD, you'd need approximately $140,406.376 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Towson, MD and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 23.0% cheaper than in Towson, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,333/month in Towson, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Towson, MD to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Towson, MD to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $799 per month, or $9594 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Towson, MD vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Towson, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Towson, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $799/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.4K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$799

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.6K

Per year

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

Towson, MD

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$263K

Towson, MD

The Old Line State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 60K 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: Towson, MD vs Columbus, OH

Category	Towson, MD	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,667/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $614less	23.0%
⚡All Utilities	$591/mo	$464/mo	↓ $127less	21.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,062/mo	$969/mo	↓ $92.53less	8.7%
📦Other	$1,623/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $65.90less	4.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,311/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $54.82more	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$574/mo	$607/mo	↑ $33.38more	5.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.0%

Towson, MD

$2,667

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$614

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 21.4%

Towson, MD

$591

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$127

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Towson, MD

$1,062

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$92.53

less

📦Other

↓ 4.1%

Towson, MD

$1,623

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$65.90

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.2%

Towson, MD

$1,311

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$54.82

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.8%

Towson, MD

$574

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$33.38

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Towson, MD 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$929

To$1,020

↑ $91.00

1 Bed

From$1,091

To$1,100

↑ $9.00

2 Bed

From$1,333

To$1,315

↓ $18.00

3 Bed

From$1,777

To$1,575

↓ $202

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.

$7,828

Monthly in Towson, MD

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$811

Difference

Home Values

Towson

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

↑ $2.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$236

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Towson, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Towson, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.