Dublin, OH vs. Grove City, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to the Columbus, Ohio suburbs of Dublin or Grove City? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Dublin and Grove City to help you decide which fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll look at housing, utilities, groceries and other key factors.
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four debating between Dublin and Grove City for their next home. They currently earn a gross monthly income of $8,500 (pre-tax) and want to understand how far their budget will stretch in each city.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest expense when comparing the cost of living in Dublin against Grove City. Here’s what the Johnsons can expect to pay monthly to rent or buy a typical home:
| Housing | Dublin | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent (2BR apartment) | $1,450 | $1,100 |
| Median mortgage (3BR house) | $2,100 | $1,600 |
🏆 Winner: Grove City. Housing costs are about 25% lower in Grove City compared to Dublin.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills don’t vary too much between the neighboring suburbs. The Johnsons can plan on budgeting the following for electricity, gas, water and trash collection:
- Dublin: $180-$250/month
- Grove City: $160-$220/month
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers, so heating costs will be higher than cooling. With similar energy rates and home sizes, utility costs are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility bills are only slightly lower in Grove City.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, the Johnsons can expect to spend around $1,000/month on groceries and household items in either Dublin or Grove City. Both suburbs have a variety of supermarkets, farmers markets and big box stores with competitive prices.
Eating out at a mid-range restaurant costs about $50-60 for a family of four in both cities. Grabbing a pint of local craft beer runs $5-7.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The cost of food, drinks and daily goods is nearly identical.
4. Taxes and Fees
Homeowners in Dublin pay slightly higher property taxes than in Grove City:
- Dublin property tax rate: 2.03%
- Grove City property tax rate: 1.88%
So for a $350,000 home, annual property taxes would be about $7,100 in Dublin and $6,600 in Grove City.
🏆 Winner: Grove City, but not by a huge margin. Buying in Grove City could save the Johnsons a few hundred dollars per year.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Monthly Expense | Dublin | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $2,100 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $200 | $190 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (property) | $600 | $550 |
| Miscellaneous | $800 | $750 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,200 | $4,540 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
With their $8,500 gross monthly income, the Johnsons would have about $3,300 left over after major expenses in Dublin, compared to $3,960 in Grove City. So purely from a cost perspective, Grove City leaves more room in the budget.
However, lifestyle fit is also important. Some other factors to consider:
- Dublin has highly-rated public schools and beautiful parks, but a longer commute to Columbus
- Grove City offers more affordable housing and a quaint downtown, but fewer amenities
Ultimately, the right choice depends on the Johnsons’ priorities and stage of life.
7. FAQ
Is Dublin more affordable than Grove City?
No, Grove City has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See our breakdown of average monthly expenses in Dublin.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $1,100/month in Grove City compared to $1,450/month in Dublin.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Grove City has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes. Buying a house in Grove City is about 20-25% cheaper than a comparable home in Dublin.
8. Conclusion
For the budget-conscious, Grove City offers a lower cost of living than Dublin – especially for housing. A family earning $8,500/month pre-tax could save $400-500 per month living in Grove City.
However, Dublin provides great schools and recreation for families willing to spend more. Young professionals may also prefer Dublin for its amenities and proximity to Columbus.
Carefully weigh the tradeoffs that matter most to you. And if you do make the move, consider whether moving pods or trucks are best to handle your belongings.
Still undecided? Check out our other cost of living comparisons for Ohio cities and suburbs to explore all your options. With the right information, you can find the ideal place to call home.