Grove City, OH vs. Westerville, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Smiths and Johnsons, both looking to relocate to the Columbus area. The Smiths rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Grove City for $1,200 per month, while the Johnsons pay $1,450 for a similar place in Westerville. When the families meet up to compare expenses, they find the Smiths spend about $500 on groceries each month in Grove City, whereas the Johnsons pay closer to $550 in Westerville.
This article provides a full cost of living comparison between Grove City and Westerville, Ohio. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two Columbus suburbs in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Grove City vs. Westerville:
| Housing Type | Grove City | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,200 | $1,450 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Grove City. Expect to pay about 20% less on rent or a mortgage payment in Grove City compared to Westerville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash in a 2BR apartment. Larger homes will see higher bills, especially in summer when air conditioning drives up electric costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility expenses.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries tend to cost slightly less in Grove City, as seen in our example of the Smiths spending about $500 per month vs. $550 for the Johnsons in Westerville. Eating out is also a bit cheaper – a meal for two at a mid-range Grove City restaurant averages $50, while a comparable Westerville spot might be $55-60.
🏆 Winner: Grove City. Expect to save 5-10% on groceries and dining out.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a 2.5% income tax rate on top of Ohio state taxes. Property taxes are a bit higher in Westerville at around 2.2% vs. 2.0% in Grove City. Westerville also has more neighborhoods with HOA fees, which can add $100-300 per month.
🏆 Winner: Grove City. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give it the edge.
Cost Summary
| Expense | Grove City | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,200 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes (2.5% income) | Varies | Varies |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,625 | $2,925 |
Lifestyle Fit
While costs are lower in Grove City, Westerville offers perks some may find worth the premium. It has a more walkable downtown, quicker access to Columbus via I-270, and slightly higher-ranked schools. But Grove City boasts more affordable homes with larger yards, easier parking, and a quieter pace of life.
Westerville averages 5°F cooler than Grove City in July, a small but noticeable difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grove City more affordable than Westerville?
Yes, the cost of living is about 10-15% lower in Grove City, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting a 2BR apartment costs around $1,200 per month in Grove City compared to $1,450 in Westerville.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Grove City has a lower median home price of $325,000 for a 3BR house vs. $375,000 in Westerville. Property taxes are also slightly lower in Grove City.
Conclusion
While both are desirable Columbus suburbs, Grove City offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Westerville in 2025. Cheaper housing is the biggest factor, but Grove City also edges out Westerville on expenses like groceries, dining out, and property taxes. A household moving from Westerville to Grove City might save $300 per month or more in total.
Budget-conscious families, retirees, and those who prefer a small-town feel may lean toward Grove City. But Westerville remains appealing for its walkability, location, and schools if costs aren’t as big of a concern. Of course, housing needs and lifestyle preferences are highly personal. We recommend visiting both cities and getting moving quotes to aid your decision.
For more details, see our full guides on the monthly costs of living in Grove City and the total cost of living in Grove City in 2025.