New Albany, OH vs. Grove City, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Columbus suburb gives you more for your money – New Albany or Grove City? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help you decide. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in New Albany vs Grove City in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rents and home prices compare:
| Housing Type | New Albany | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,150 |
| 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $325,000 |
🏆 Winner: Grove City. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $300 less per month, while a typical 3-bedroom home is over $100,000 cheaper to buy in Grove City compared to New Albany.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect utility bills to average $180-250 per month for a 2BR apartment in both cities, with costs rising in the summer due to air conditioning. New Albany has slightly higher water and sewer rates. Both cities offer off-peak electricity plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between New Albany and Grove City.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Grove City compared to New Albany. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Grove City vs $3.80 in New Albany. Restaurant prices are more comparable, though fast casual spots are a bit cheaper in Grove City.
🏆 Winner: Grove City, but only slightly. Expect to spend $50-100 less per month on groceries for a family of 4.
Taxes and Fees
New Albany has higher property taxes, averaging 2.2% vs 1.8% in Grove City. However, New Albany’s income tax rate is lower at 2% compared to 2.5% in Grove City. HOA fees are common in both cities, typically $100-300/month.
🏆 Winner: New Albany. The lower income tax rate offsets higher property taxes for most residents. See a full breakdown of monthly costs in New Albany.
Cost of Living in New Albany vs Grove City
| Category | New Albany | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,150 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $750 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes | $800 | $850 |
| Misc | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,270 | $3,850 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Grove City is more affordable overall, New Albany offers more upscale housing, highly-rated schools, and a quaint downtown area. Grove City provides easier access to Columbus via I-71 and more diverse housing options. New Albany averages 5°F cooler in the summer than Grove City.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is New Albany more affordable than Grove City? No, Grove City has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Grove City rents average $200-300 less per month than New Albany.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Grove City home prices are significantly lower, with a typical home costing over $100,000 less than in New Albany.
Conclusion
For most lifestyles and budgets, Grove City offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than New Albany in 2025, especially for housing. However, New Albany can still be a great fit for those prioritizing top school districts and a charming town center. Be sure to read our full New Albany cost of living guide for more details.
Whichever city you choose, using one of the best moving companies can make your relocation smoother and less stressful. We wish you all the best with your move to the Columbus area!