New Albany, OH vs. Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to the Columbus metro area in 2025? This article compares the cost of living between the suburban community of New Albany and the city of Columbus. It’s perfect for families like the Johnsons, who are debating between the two locations as they relocate for a new job opportunity.
“I love the small-town charm of New Albany,” says Sarah Johnson, “but I’m not sure if we can afford a bigger home there on one income while I look for work. Columbus may offer more affordable options.”
Let’s break down the key living costs to see which location makes the most financial sense for the Johnsons and other relocating households. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (before taxes).
Housing Costs: New Albany vs Columbus
Housing is often the biggest factor in a cost of living comparison. Here’s how typical rent and home prices stack up:
| Housing Type | New Albany | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,200 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $450,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Columbus. The Johnsons could save $250 per month on a typical apartment rental or $100,000 on a home purchase in Columbus compared to New Albany.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs also play a big role in monthly expenses. New Albany and Columbus have similar seasonal climates, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Typical combined utility costs for a 2BR apartment are:
- New Albany: $180/month
- Columbus: $170/month
Both cities offer optional programs like budget billing to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Columbus, but only by a slight $10/month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Let’s compare the costs of common grocery items and daily goods:
- Gallon of milk: New Albany $3.89 / Columbus $3.49
- Loaf of bread: New Albany $2.99 / Columbus $2.79
- Dozen eggs: New Albany $2.19 / Columbus $1.99
Restaurant prices are also about 5-10% higher in New Albany vs Columbus.
🏆 Winner: Columbus. Groceries and dining out are more affordable in the larger city.
Taxes and Fees
Both New Albany and Columbus have a 2.5% local income tax rate on top of Ohio state taxes. However, New Albany has higher property taxes of 2.03% vs 1.79% in Columbus.
Some New Albany neighborhoods also have homeowners association (HOA) fees up to $200/month, while many areas of Columbus do not have HOAs.
🏆 Winner: Columbus. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give Columbus the edge.
New Albany vs Columbus Cost of Living Summary
| Cost Category | New Albany | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,450 | $1,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $170 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes (2.5% local) | Varies | Varies |
| Miscellaneous | $300 | $280 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,505 in New Albany | $2,160 in Columbus |
Lifestyle Fit: New Albany vs Columbus
While New Albany offers more space, highly-rated schools, and a quieter suburban lifestyle, Columbus provides an urban environment with walkability, public transit, and a shorter commute for many jobs. New Albany averages 5°F cooler summer temperatures than downtown Columbus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Albany more affordable than Columbus?
No, Columbus has a lower overall cost of living than New Albany, mainly due to cheaper housing, groceries, and fewer taxes and fees.
Which city has lower rent?
Columbus has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment costs $1,200/month in Columbus vs $1,450/month in New Albany.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Columbus has lower home prices and property taxes. The median price for a 3BR house is around $350,000 in Columbus compared to $450,000 in New Albany.
Conclusion
For the Johnson family and other households looking to minimize expenses, Columbus offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than New Albany. A household moving from New Albany to Columbus might save $400 per month on housing and other costs alone.
However, New Albany could still be the better choice for families prioritizing top school districts, more space, and a suburban lifestyle who have the budget to afford the premium.
Ultimately, the right fit depends on your household’s specific needs, preferences and monthly budget. Be sure to read our other cost of living breakdowns for Ohio cities like how much it costs to live in New Albany each month and our monthly budget guide for New Albany in 2025. If you’re planning a move, also check out our comparison of moving pods vs trucks to see which option is best for you.