Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Wheaton, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 8.9% cheaper than Wheaton, IL. This translates to saving $670 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Wheaton, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Wheaton, IL, you'd need approximately $141,958.542 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wheaton, IL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 18.6% cheaper than in Wheaton, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,655/month in Wheaton, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wheaton, IL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Wheaton, IL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $670 per month, or $8041 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wheaton, IL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wheaton, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Wheaton, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $670/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$670

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.0K

Per year

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

Wheaton, IL

Population:53K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$472K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$263K

Wheaton, IL

The Prairie State

53K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 53K 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: Wheaton, IL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Wheaton, IL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,523/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $470less	18.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,536/mo	$1,366/mo	↓ $170less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $50.16less	3.1%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$607/mo	↑ $38.46more	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$496/mo	$464/mo	↓ $31.89less	6.4%
🛒Groceries	$984/mo	$969/mo	↓ $14.84less	1.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.6%

Wheaton, IL

$2,523

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$470

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.1%

Wheaton, IL

$1,536

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$170

less

📦Other

↓ 3.1%

Wheaton, IL

$1,607

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$50.16

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.8%

Wheaton, IL

$569

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$38.46

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.4%

Wheaton, IL

$496

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$31.89

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Wheaton, IL

$984

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$14.84

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Wheaton, IL 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$1,375

To$1,020

↓ $355

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$1,100

↓ $369

2 Bed

From$1,655

To$1,315

↓ $340

3 Bed

From$2,129

To$1,575

↓ $554

Wheaton, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$1,890/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.

$7,715

Monthly in Wheaton, IL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$699

Difference

Home Values

Wheaton

Columbus

$472K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +6.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +32.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$472K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 44% less expensive than Wheaton

Calculate payment - Wheaton 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

Wheaton, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/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

Wheaton, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.