Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 40.8% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $3059 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $113,289.474 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 66.9% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $3059 per month, or $36711 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Washington, DC

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Columbus, OH

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $113.3K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 40.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,059

Savings

Annual Impact

$36.7K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:59

Median Home:$263K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Washington, DC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $4,158less	66.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $519less	27.5%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $268less	14.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$969/mo	↓ $110less	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$464/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$607/mo	↓ $24.78less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.9%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$4,158

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 27.5%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$519

less

📦Other

↓ 14.7%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$268

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$110

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.6%

Washington, DC

$508

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$43.71

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.9%

Washington, DC

$632

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$24.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

To$1,020

↓ $1,130

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,100

↓ $1,115

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,315

↓ $1,155

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,575

↓ $1,540

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$5,123

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Columbus

$556K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 53% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$560

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.5%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.