Moving from Chicago to Columbus?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Columbus, you'd need to earn:
$69,136/year
▼ $5,864 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $69,136 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,824 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,286 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,002 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$1,185 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $55,838 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -7.8% in Columbus
- Housing is -21.5% in Columbus
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $2,366/year in taxes in Columbus
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~276 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Columbus
| Your Chicago Salary | Columbus Equivalent | Difference | Columbus Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $36,873 | -$3,127 | $31,368 |
| $50,000 | $46,091 | -$3,909 | $38,521 |
| $60,000 | $55,309 | -$4,691 | $45,675 |
| $75,000 | $69,136 | -$5,864 | $55,838 |
| $100,000 | $92,181 | -$7,819 | $71,417 |
| $150,000 | $138,272 | -$11,728 | $101,889 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Columbus Compare
Housing (22% cheaper in Columbus)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus rents for $1,191/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $290,000 in Columbus vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Ohio has a progressive state income tax from 0.0% to 3.5%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Columbus would save you about $2,366/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Columbus's overall cost of living is 7.8% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Columbus: 95.5.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Columbus move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Columbus
Average 1BR rent in Columbus: $1,191/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →