Moving from Houston to Columbus (2026)
Columbus has a COL index of 91 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$149/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9591
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350$1,250
per month
State tax
None3%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,553
per month
Salary needed in Columbus to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Columbus |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,316 |
| $50K | $47,895 |
| $60K | $57,474 |
| $75K | $71,842 |
| $80K | $76,632 |
| $100K | $95,789 |
| $120K | $114,947 |
| $150K | $143,684 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Columbus
| Expense | Houston | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,553 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $357 | $361 |
| Transport | $90 | $62 |
| Utilities | $175 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,665 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Columbus has a cost of living index of 91 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Columbus?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Columbus could save roughly $149/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,788/year.
What salary do I need in Columbus to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $71,842/year in Columbus. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Columbus to HoustonHouston vs Columbus — full comparisonHouston cost of livingColumbus cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only