Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Wake Forest, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 2.6% cheaper than Wake Forest, NC. This translates to saving $198 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Wake Forest, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Wake Forest, NC, you'd need approximately $147,626.886 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wake Forest, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 3.0% cheaper than in Wake Forest, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,418/month in Wake Forest, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wake Forest, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Wake Forest, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $198 per month, or $2373 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wake Forest, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wake Forest, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Wake Forest, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $198/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$198

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Wake Forest, NC

Population:54K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$505K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$263K

Wake Forest, NC

The Tar Heel State

54K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 54K 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: Wake Forest, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Wake Forest, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,224/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $142more	11.6%
📦Other	$1,627/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $70.35less	4.3%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$464/mo	↓ $68.96less	12.9%
🏠Housing	$2,117/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $64.40less	3.0%
🛒Groceries	$936/mo	$969/mo	↑ $32.83more	3.5%
🏥Healthcare	$587/mo	$607/mo	↑ $20.50more	3.5%

🚗Transportation

↑ 11.6%

Wake Forest, NC

$1,224

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$142

📦Other

↓ 4.3%

Wake Forest, NC

$1,627

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$70.35

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.9%

Wake Forest, NC

$533

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$68.96

less

🏠Housing

↓ 3.0%

Wake Forest, NC

$2,117

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$64.40

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 3.5%

Wake Forest, NC

$936

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$32.83

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.5%

Wake Forest, NC

$587

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$20.50

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Wake Forest, NC 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$1,239

To$1,020

↓ $219

1 Bed

From$1,296

To$1,100

↓ $196

2 Bed

From$1,418

To$1,315

↓ $103

3 Bed

From$1,790

To$1,575

↓ $215

Wake Forest, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,600/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.

$7,025

Monthly in Wake Forest, NC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$8.02

Difference

Home Values

Wake Forest

Columbus

$505K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +39.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$505K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 48% less expensive than Wake Forest

Calculate payment - Wake Forest Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Wake Forest, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Wake Forest, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.