Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 3.6% cheaper than Wausau, WI. This translates to saving $272 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $146,740.159 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 6.9% cheaper than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Wausau, WI to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $272 per month, or $3260 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wausau, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Wausau, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $272/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Columbus, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$272

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

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

Wausau, WI

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$230K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$263K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 40K 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: Wausau, WI vs Columbus, OH

Category	Wausau, WI	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $152less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $115more	9.2%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$607/mo	↓ $70.60less	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$969/mo	↑ $64.62more	7.1%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $36.18less	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$464/mo	↓ $14.78less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 6.9%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$152

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.2%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$115

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.4%

Wausau, WI

$678

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$70.60

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.1%

Wausau, WI

$905

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$64.62

📦Other

↓ 2.3%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$36.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.1%

Wausau, WI

$479

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$14.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Wausau, WI 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$605

To$1,020

↑ $415

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,100

↑ $423

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,315

↑ $442

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$1,575

↑ $426

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/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.

$7,111

Monthly in Wausau, WI

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$94.12

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Columbus

$230K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 14% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Wausau, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.