Reynoldsburg, OH vs. Westerville, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Reynoldses and the Wests, both looking to relocate to the Columbus area. The Reynoldses find a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Reynoldsburg renting for $1,250 per month, while the Wests settle on a similar place in Westerville for $1,450. When the families meet up to compare notes, they discover some key differences in their monthly expenses.
“Our utility bills have been averaging around $180 in Reynoldsburg,” Mrs. Reynolds mentions. “How about you?”
“Ours are closer to $210 in Westerville,” Mr. West replies, glancing at their budget spreadsheet. “And our weekly grocery run usually totals about $220, even shopping the sales.”
“Really? We’re spending more like $190 per week at the supermarket,” Mrs. Reynolds responds. “I guess those little differences can really add up!”
The Reynolds and West families aren’t alone in trying to gauge the real cost of living in Reynoldsburg vs Westerville. For anyone considering a move to these popular Columbus suburbs, it pays to dig into the details and see how the expenses stack up.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Reynoldsburg and Westerville:
| Housing Type | Reynoldsburg | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,850 |
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. Renting or buying in Reynoldsburg can shave $200-250 off monthly housing costs compared to similar properties in Westerville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Keeping the lights on and the water running also factors heavily into cost of living. Reynoldsburg residents report average utility costs around $180 per month, while Westerville utility bills tend to run closer to $210 monthly. Both cities see somewhat higher electric and gas bills during cold Ohio winters.
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. Utility costs average about 15% lower in Reynoldsburg vs Westerville.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family is a major monthly expense. Grocery costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, with Reynoldsburg shoppers spending around $190 per week on food and household items, while Westerville grocery bills average $220 weekly. Dining out is also slightly cheaper in Reynoldsburg, with entrees at local restaurants averaging $12-15 vs $14-18 in Westerville.
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. Expect to spend about 10-15% less on groceries and dining out in Reynoldsburg compared to Westerville.
Taxes and Fees
Reynoldsburg homeowners pay slightly lower property taxes, around 2.2% vs 2.4% in Westerville. However, Westerville offers more exemptions for seniors and disabled residents. Vehicle registration fees are identical in both cities at $54.50 per year. Some Westerville neighborhoods charge monthly HOA fees up to $250, while they are less common in Reynoldsburg.
🏆 Winner: Reynoldsburg. With lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees, Reynoldsburg gets the edge for lower taxes and fees.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Reynoldsburg | Westerville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,250 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $760 | $880 |
| Transportation | $350 | $350 |
| Taxes (% of Home Value) | 2.2% | 2.4% |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,940 | $3,340 |
Lifestyle Fit
Reynoldsburg offers a bit more of a small-town vibe, with plenty of parks, a historic town center, and more affordable housing options. It can be a great fit for young families or retirees. Westerville has a livelier downtown with more dining and shopping, as well as closer access to Columbus amenities, but with a higher price tag. Westerville’s average summer temperature is about 2°F cooler than Reynoldsburg’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reynoldsburg more affordable than Westerville?
Yes, Reynoldsburg is generally more affordable, with lower housing, grocery, and utility costs adding up to a total cost of living about 10-15% cheaper than Westerville.
Which city has lower rent?
Reynoldsburg has lower rent, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment renting for around $1,250 vs $1,450 in Westerville.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Reynoldsburg has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. A typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is about $1,600 in Reynoldsburg compared to $1,850 in Westerville.
Conclusion
While both Reynoldsburg and Westerville are desirable Columbus suburbs, Reynoldsburg offers a lower overall cost of living that can make a big difference for families on a budget. Westerville’s higher housing and grocery costs are somewhat offset by more amenities and a vibrant downtown. Consider your lifestyle priorities and budget to determine which city is the best fit. Be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for Columbus area towns and cities.
Considering a move to Reynoldsburg? See if you can afford to live there comfortably with our monthly budget guide. For a full picture of expenses, read our detailed cost of living breakdown for Reynoldsburg in 2025. And if you need help with the logistics of relocating, compare moving options like pods vs trucks to find the most affordable solution.