Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Union City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 25.6% cheaper than Union City, NJ. This translates to saving $1917 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Union City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Union City, NJ, you'd need approximately $127,000.104 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Union City, NJ and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 36.5% cheaper than in Union City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,220/month in Union City, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Union City, NJ to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Union City, NJ to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $1917 per month, or $23000 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Union City, NJ vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Union City, NJ — COL adjusted from Jersey City, NJ area + state data

Current salary in Union City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $127.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 25.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,917

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.0K

Per year

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

Union City, NJ

Population:64K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$637K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$263K

Union City, NJ

The Garden State

64K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 64K 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: Union City, NJ vs Columbus, OH

Category	Union City, NJ	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,235/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $1,182less	36.5%
📦Other	$1,959/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $402less	20.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,546/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $180less	11.6%
⚡All Utilities	$586/mo	$464/mo	↓ $121less	20.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,081/mo	$969/mo	↓ $112less	10.3%
🏥Healthcare	$676/mo	$607/mo	↓ $69.16less	10.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.5%

Union City, NJ

$3,235

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$1,182

less

📦Other

↓ 20.5%

Union City, NJ

$1,959

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$402

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.6%

Union City, NJ

$1,546

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$180

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.7%

Union City, NJ

$586

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$121

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.3%

Union City, NJ

$1,081

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$112

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.2%

Union City, NJ

$676

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$69.16

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Union City, NJ 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$1,521

To$1,020

↓ $501

1 Bed

From$1,767

To$1,100

↓ $667

2 Bed

From$2,220

To$1,315

↓ $905

3 Bed

From$2,960

To$1,575

↓ $1,385

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.

$9,083

Monthly in Union City, NJ

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$2,066

Difference

Home Values

Union City

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

↑ $3.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$250

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Union City, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Union City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.