Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Tucson, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 8.2% cheaper than Tucson, AZ. This translates to saving $612 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Tucson, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Tucson, AZ, you'd need approximately $142,653.061 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tucson, AZ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 10.2% cheaper than in Tucson, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,460/month in Tucson, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Tucson, AZ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Tucson, AZ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $612 per month, or $7347 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tucson, AZ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Tucson, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $612/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.7K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$612

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

Tucson, AZ

Population:548K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$327K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$263K

Tucson, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

548K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 548K 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: Tucson, AZ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Tucson, AZ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $301less	16.2%
🏠Housing	$2,287/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $234less	10.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$969/mo	↓ $59.96less	5.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,325/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$607/mo	↑ $37.17more	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$486/mo	$464/mo	↓ $21.86less	4.5%

📦Other

↓ 16.2%

Tucson, AZ

$1,858

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$301

less

🏠Housing

↓ 10.2%

Tucson, AZ

$2,287

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$234

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Tucson, AZ

$1,029

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$59.96

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.1%

Tucson, AZ

$1,325

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$40.98

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.5%

Tucson, AZ

$570

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$37.17

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.5%

Tucson, AZ

$486

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$21.86

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Tucson, AZ 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$1,010

To$1,020

↑ $10.00

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$1,100

↓ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,315

↓ $145

3 Bed

From$2,030

To$1,575

↓ $455

Tucson, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,620/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.

$7,556

Monthly in Tucson, AZ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$539

Difference

Home Values

Tucson

Columbus

$327K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$229K - $722K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 20% less expensive than Tucson

Calculate payment - Tucson Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $806

Per year

Monthly Difference

$67.13

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

Tucson, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Tucson, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.