Westerville, OH vs. Grove City, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Contrary to popular belief, the cost of living in Westerville is actually lower than in Grove City as of 2025. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Westerville and Grove City. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Westerville vs Grove City in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Westerville and Grove City. Here’s a look at the median monthly costs for renting and buying:
| Housing Type | Westerville | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,600 | $1,850 |
🏆 Winner: Westerville
A household moving from Grove City to Westerville might save $400/month on housing alone. See a full breakdown of how much it costs to live in Westerville each month.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Westerville coming in slightly lower. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash in Westerville compared to $200 in Grove City.
🏆 Winner: Westerville
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Westerville than Grove City on average. A gallon of milk is $3.50 in Westerville compared to $3.75 in Grove City, for example. Dining out is also more affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $45 in Westerville vs $50 in Grove City.
🏆 Winner: Westerville
Taxes and Fees
Westerville has a slightly lower property tax rate of 1.8% compared to Grove City’s 2%. HOA fees tend to be about $50/month lower in Westerville as well. However, Westerville does have a 2% city income tax while Grove City’s is only 1.5%.
🏆 Winner: Westerville for homeowners, Grove City for renters
Cost Summary
| Category | Westerville | Grove City |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,600 | $1,850 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Taxes | 1.8% property tax 2% income tax | 2% property tax 1.5% income tax |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,490 | $2,800 |
Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is lower in Westerville, Grove City does offer some advantages. Grove City has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car. It also has slightly larger homes and lots on average.
However, Westerville has a more walkable downtown area with locally-owned shops and restaurants. Westerville also averages 5°F cooler in the summer than Grove City, which can mean lower air conditioning bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westerville more affordable than Grove City?
Yes, the cost of living in Westerville is about 10% lower than in Grove City as of 2025. Housing and grocery costs are the biggest factors.
Which city has lower rent?
Westerville has lower average rent, with a 2BR apartment going for around $1,250/month compared to $1,400/month in Grove City.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Westerville has lower median home prices and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for homebuyers. A typical mortgage payment on a 3BR house is $1,600 in Westerville vs $1,850 in Grove City.
Conclusion
While both Westerville and Grove City are affordable Columbus suburbs, Westerville comes out ahead in terms of overall cost of living. Westerville is ideal for families looking to buy a home, professionals who want a walkable neighborhood, and anyone looking to keep expenses low.
Grove City may be a better fit for renters or those who rely on public transit. But with housing costs significantly lower in Westerville, it’s a great choice for most.
Considering other Columbus suburbs? Check out our cost of living comparisons for Columbus to see how Westerville stacks up. And don’t forget to read our Best Moving Companies Guide for tips on planning your relocation.