Are you considering a move to Columbus, Ohio, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Columbus, Ohio is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Columbus, Ohio and help you understand whether $3491 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4003.77.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
70.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.25 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.86 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.33 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.9 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.86 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.81 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
2.76 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.46 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
13.5 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
12.11 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
18.88 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.6 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
4.17 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.39 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
3.1 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.3 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.88 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
13.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.11 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.5 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
62.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.02 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.94 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
26500.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23125.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
246.25 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
69.71 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
56.31 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
34.33 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1541.67 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
23750.0 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
61.11 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
45.43 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
83.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
109.38 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1570.56 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1145.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
3092.22 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2080.5 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
8634.19 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
3955.74 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4003.77 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.43 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Columbus, Ohio come to a total of approximately $3491. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1570 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $281 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $995 per month.
Living in Columbus, Ohio appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4003.77. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Columbus, Ohio, you would likely need an income exceeding $4003.77.
In Columbus, Ohio, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4003.77, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Columbus, Ohio is approximately $1570. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1145.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Columbus, Ohio can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $765 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Columbus is one of the rare cities in Ohio that actually reported the 2021 crime statistics. While much of the raw data leans toward a medium risk, you'll also meet some of the nicest people possible here. You just have to remember this isn't a rinky dink college town. It's a metropolis growing closer to a million people every year.
COTA is the public bus system here with various routes to get you around town or express routes to get you to places you need to be faster. Download the COTA Connector so you can avoid pulling out your wallet to pay. Taxis and rideshares are easy to find and rental cars are widely available. While COTA has faced some recent crimes on buses, it's not indicative of being unsafe. You just have to use basic security measures.
91 pickpockets were reported in 2021, which is 0.004% of all the thefts here. While you should always use standard protection of your belongings in public, there isn't a massive pickpocket issue here. Car break-ins are a different story, with 45% of all thefts being related to things stolen from inside or outside vehicles.
Winters can be rough in Columbus, with snow storms and bitter cold temperatures. Warmer weather can bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. There's a medium risk because of the potential throughout the year, but there's nothing here the city hasn't dealt with before.
31% of robberies happen in public places here, with an average theft of $1400. Lower your risk by not carrying valuables with you, keeping mobile devices out of sight, and putting your wallet in a hidden pocket inside a jacket.
Larger metro areas are always going to be considered a higher risk, and gamedays will have elevated security levels with massive crowds flooding the stadium and city.
The biggest scam here that would involve a tourist includes Ohio State ticket scams. Even some of the websites set up look legit, but they aren't. Be sure you're buying a ticket from an authorized vendor and the Better Business Bureau recommends using a credit card to pay for tickets instead of apps like Venmo to get better fraud protection.
Women should proceed with a medium risk just because of the crime rates here in general, not because of a specific risk. The violent crime trends show men are slightly more likely to be a victim of a crime. If you're enjoying the nightlife here, be sure to use basic bar precautions, like not letting someone buy you a drink unless you see the bartender make it and don't leave drinks uncovered while you're on the dance floor.
The water utility in Columbus is in full compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act and there should be no concerns about the water quality. Should there be any risks that happen, the city will notify residents and hotels while posting information on social media accounts.
A U.S. Travel or Work Visa will be required to gain entry into the United States. You'll need your passport as well to get through Customs. Don't wait until the last minute because the visa process can take months to complete.
The U.S. Dollar (USD) is the only currency accepted here. As a progressive city, Columbus and its businesses are widely ahead of technology and offer many ways to pay without having to pull out your wallet. Try to buy tickets in advance of your trip to control the fraud risk and keep your credit card from being seen in public.
Dress in insulated clothing during the winter, and it can be bitterly cold here. Should you see someone wearing shorts in winter, don't follow suit. That's just part of Ohio culture (and many other cold states) because people become acclimated to the weather. Wear good walking shoes and leave the heels at home, since there's a lot of time you'll spend exploring on two feet. Summers will be humid and can get hot, but not as hot as some places in the South.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport is just six miles east of downtown. You can get there by taxi, rideshare, or express bus service if you don't have a car. Check with your hotel first to see if there is a free shuttle offered.
Travel insurance for your flight and ground transportation is a great idea, especially during winter when snow or ice can delay or cancel flights.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 37°F | 41°F | 52°F | 64°F | 73°F | 81°F | 84°F | 83°F | 76°F | 65°F | 52°F | 41°F |
| Temp | 29°F | 32°F | 41°F | 53°F | 63°F | 71°F | 75°F | 73°F | 66°F | 54°F | 44°F | 34°F |
| Low | 24°F | 26°F | 34°F | 44°F | 54°F | 62°F | 66°F | 64°F | 57°F | 46°F | 37°F | 28°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 2°C | 5°C | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 24°C | 18°C | 11°C | 5°C |
| Temp | -1°C | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C | 17°C | 21°C | 23°C | 22°C | 18°C | 12°C | 6°C | 1°C |
| Low | -4°C | -3°C | 1°C | 6°C | 12°C | 16°C | 18°C | 17°C | 13°C | 7°C | 2°C | -2°C |