Columbus, OH vs. Dublin, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you debating a move to the Columbus, Ohio area in 2025? This cost of living comparison between Columbus and Dublin will help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals comparing job offers, or anyone weighing the real costs of living in these two cities.
Let’s follow along with the fictional Johnson family as they consider whether Columbus or Dublin makes more financial sense for their household of four.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. The Johnsons currently rent a 2-bedroom apartment but hope to buy a 3-bedroom home in their new city. Here’s how typical housing costs compare:
| Housing Type | Columbus | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Columbus. The Johnsons could save $300 per month on rent or $125,000 on a home purchase by choosing Columbus over Dublin.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers. In Columbus, monthly utility bills for a typical household average:
- Electricity: $120
- Gas: $80
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $90
Dublin utility costs run about 10% higher across the board. Both cities offer budget billing to spread winter heating costs throughout the year.
🏆 Winner: Columbus, but only slightly. The Johnsons’ utility bills would be around $30 higher per month in Dublin.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Johnsons spend about $1,000 per month on groceries, household items, and occasional meals out. They’d find similar prices at major grocery chains in both Columbus and Dublin.
However, Dublin has higher costs for dining out, entertainment, and some services. For the Johnson family’s lifestyle, Dublin would likely cost $100-$200 more per month for daily living expenses compared to Columbus.
🏆 Winner: Columbus
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a 2.5% local income tax on top of Ohio state taxes. However, property taxes in Dublin are nearly double those in Columbus — 1.8% vs 0.95%.
Many Dublin neighborhoods also have HOA fees averaging $100-$300 per month. In Columbus, HOA fees are less common and typically under $100 when present.
🏆 Winner: Columbus. Higher property taxes and HOA fees make Dublin more expensive.
Cost Summary
| Monthly Expense | Columbus | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,900 | $2,650 |
| Utilities | $290 | $320 |
| Groceries & Daily Living | $1,000 | $1,150 |
| Transportation | $500 | $500 |
| Taxes & Fees | $800 | $1,200 |
| Misc Costs | $400 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,890 | $6,320 |
Based on these estimates, the Johnson family would need to earn nearly $1,500 more per month to maintain the same standard of living in Dublin compared to Columbus. That’s a pre-tax difference of almost $18,000 per year.
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything, of course. The Johnsons are also considering:
- Commute: Mr. Johnson’s new job is located in Dublin. Living there could save him 30 minutes per day in traffic.
- Schools: Both cities have excellent school districts, but the Johnsons slightly prefer Dublin’s.
- Neighborhood: The Johnsons found a few Columbus neighborhoods they love with a small-town feel. Dublin feels a bit more suburban and manicured for their taste.
It’s a tough call, but the Johnsons are leaning toward finding a more affordable home in Columbus. The cost savings could fund some amazing family vacations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus more affordable than Dublin?
Yes, Columbus is more affordable than Dublin in most expense categories, especially housing. See our full Columbus cost of living breakdown.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Columbus has lower rent prices than Dublin. For example, a typical 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,250 in Columbus compared to $1,550 in Dublin.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
It’s significantly cheaper to buy a home in Columbus than Dublin. The median price for a 3-bedroom home is $325,000 in Columbus versus $450,000 in Dublin.
Conclusion
While both Columbus and Dublin offer a high quality of life, Columbus comes out ahead on affordability. It’s a great fit for:
- Families looking to stretch their housing budget
- Young professionals who value walkable neighborhoods
- Retirees seeking an affordable cost of living
However, Dublin can make sense for households prioritizing newer homes, top schools, and a suburban lifestyle, provided they can afford the higher price tag.
Crunching the numbers is a smart step for any move. Use our Columbus monthly budget calculator to estimate your expenses. And if you decide to take the leap, see our 2025 picks for the best moving companies.