Gahanna, OH vs. Westerville, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between the Columbus suburbs of Gahanna and Westerville? Many assume Westerville is always pricier, but a closer look at 2025 costs reveals key differences. This article compares housing, utilities, groceries, and other expenses to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rents and mortgages compare:
| Housing Type | Gahanna | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,350 | $1,475 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $360,000 |
🏆 Winner: Gahanna. Renting a 2-bedroom or buying a home tends to cost 8-10% less in Gahanna compared to similar properties in Westerville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly comparable between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180-$220/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash collection for a 2BR apartment in either Gahanna or Westerville. Both have similar climates, so seasonal costs balance out.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility expenses.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs run about 4% lower in Gahanna, with a half-gallon of milk averaging $2.19 vs. $2.29 in Westerville. Restaurant prices are nearly identical.
🏆 Winner: Gahanna, but only slightly. Most daily expenses differ by less than $10/month.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are 2.21% in Gahanna compared to Westerville’s 2.27% rate. For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of $210 per year. City service fees and typical HOA dues fall in the same range.
🏆 Winner: Gahanna. Lower property taxes can add up, especially for high-value homes.
Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Gahanna | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR rent) | $1,350 | $1,475 |
| Utilities | $200 | $200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $395 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes (Prorated) | $600 | $650 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,855 | $3,030 |
All figures above are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax). Consult a tax professional for take-home pay estimates.
Lifestyle Fit
Gahanna offers more affordable housing and slightly lower living costs overall. However, Westerville has more public transportation options and quicker access to downtown Columbus.
Gahanna is about 5°F warmer on average than Westerville in the summer months. Both cities have highly-rated school districts and ample parks and recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Gahanna more affordable than Westerville?
A: Yes, Gahanna has lower housing costs and slightly lower living expenses across most categories compared to Westerville.
Q: Which city has cheaper rent, Gahanna or Westerville?
A: Renting a 2BR apartment costs around $125 less per month in Gahanna on average.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a house in Gahanna or Westerville?
A: Median home prices in Gahanna are about 10% lower than in Westerville. Property taxes are also slightly lower in Gahanna.
The Bottom Line
While both Gahanna and Westerville provide a high quality of life, Gahanna comes out ahead on affordability. Rents and home prices are meaningfully lower, while day-to-day expenses are comparable. A household moving from Westerville to Gahanna could potentially save $400 or more per month on housing alone.
However, the best fit depends on your specific priorities. Be sure to also consider commute times, school districts, and recreational options. Explore our other cost of living breakdowns for Columbus suburbs and use our monthly budget calculator for Gahanna to estimate your expenses.
Thinking of relocating within the Columbus area? See our full cost of living guide for Gahanna and read up on whether moving pods or trucks are best for your needs.