Reynoldsburg, 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 suburb of Reynoldsburg and the city of Columbus. It’s perfect for families like the Johnsons, who are debating between the two locations as they relocate for work.
“We love the amenities and energy of Columbus, but I’m wondering if we can get more space for our budget in Reynoldsburg,” says Sarah Johnson. Let’s break down the key living costs to help the Johnsons and other relocating families decide.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in the cost of living in Reynoldsburg vs Columbus. Here’s what you can expect to pay monthly for typical rentals (gross rent, pre-tax):
| Housing Type | Reynoldsburg | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| 3BR House | $1,800 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. Renting in Reynoldsburg can save you $300-600 per month compared to similar homes in Columbus proper. And if you’re looking to buy, the savings are even greater, with median home prices around $250,000 in Reynoldsburg vs $350,000 in Columbus.
Of course, your actual costs will vary based on the specific neighborhood and property. But in general, expect about 20% lower housing costs in Reynoldsburg. Can You Afford to Live in Reynoldsburg? See a Monthly Budget Guide.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs won’t differ too much between the two cities, as they share the same climate and energy providers. Budget around $200 per month for a 2BR apartment or $300 for a 3BR house for electricity, gas, water, and trash (pre-tax).
🏆 Winner: Tie. Neither Reynoldsburg nor Columbus has a significant edge in utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items may cost 5-10% less in Reynoldsburg compared to Columbus. Reynoldsburg has more suburban supermarkets and big box stores, while Columbus has pricier organic markets and specialty shops mixed in.
For a family of 4, plan on spending around $1,000 per month on groceries and household items in Reynoldsburg vs $1,100 in Columbus (pre-tax). Dining out is also a bit cheaper in Reynoldsburg’s casual eateries than Columbus’ trendier restaurant scene.
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. You’ll save $100+ per month on food and daily expenses in Reynoldsburg.
4. Taxes and Fees
While income taxes are similar between the two cities, property taxes and government fees are lower in Reynoldsburg:
- Reynoldsburg property tax rate: 2.03% (Franklin + Licking counties)
- Columbus property tax rate: 2.21%
For a $250,000 home, that’s a difference of $450 per year. Reynoldsburg also has lower license and parking permit fees than Columbus.
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. Lower property taxes and city fees put Reynoldsburg ahead.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Monthly Expense | Reynoldsburg | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $500 | $550 |
| Misc. | $500 | $600 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,100 | $4,950 |
All figures are pre-tax estimates. See a full breakdown of the Cost of Living in Reynoldsburg, OH in 2025.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost isn’t everything. Consider other tradeoffs:
- Reynoldsburg offers more space, privacy, and quiet
- Columbus has better walkability, arts/culture, and airport access
- Commuting from Reynoldsburg to Columbus adds 30+ minutes per day
For the Johnsons, Reynoldsburg’s lower costs and family-friendly vibe outweigh the longer commute. But a young professional may prefer Columbus’ amenities and shorter drive to work.
7. FAQs
Q: Is Reynoldsburg cheaper than Columbus?
A: Yes, Reynoldsburg is about 15-20% cheaper than Columbus overall, mainly due to lower housing, food, and tax costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Reynoldsburg rents are around 20% lower than comparable rentals in Columbus.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a house?
A: Reynoldsburg has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. The median Reynoldsburg home costs $100,000 less than in Columbus.
8. Conclusion
While both great places to live, Reynoldsburg offers a lower cost of living than Columbus for families like the Johnsons. You’ll get more space for your dollar and save on monthly expenses, in exchange for a longer commute.
Young singles and urban professionals may still prefer Columbus’ lifestyle, but folks looking to stretch their budget will find better value in Reynoldsburg.
Considering other Columbus suburbs? Compare moving company costs and see our cost of living breakdowns for popular areas like Dublin, Westerville, and Grove City.