Build your monthly budget for Columbus. The calculator is pre-filled with realistic local expenses, including $1,250 average rent, so you can see your savings rate against the 50/30/20 rule.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Columbus has a cost-of-living index of 92 (US average = 100). Housing is usually the largest line item, with average 1-bedroom rent near $1,250/month. The estimates below are pre-filled in the calculator and scaled to local costs.
| Expense Category | Typical Columbus Amount |
|---|---|
| Housing (1-bedroom rent) | $1,250/month |
| Food (single person) | $400/month |
| Transportation | $500/month |
| Utilities & Internet | $160/month |
| Healthcare & Insurance | $320/month |
| Personal & Entertainment | $200/month |
| Recommended Savings | 15%+ of gross income |
| Emergency Fund Target | 3 to 6 months of expenses |
Columbus is the capital and largest city in Ohio, anchored by state government, The Ohio State University, insurance and finance led by Nationwide, healthcare, logistics, and a fast-growing technology sector boosted by major Intel semiconductor investment.
| Local Metric | Columbus (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 910,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Franklin County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 92 |
| Regional living wage, single adult | $18.75/hour |
| Regional living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $39.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $11.00/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,250/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Median home price | $270,000 |
| Median household income | $66,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7.5% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.6% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
With a cost-of-living index of 92 (US average = 100) and average 1-bedroom rent near $1,250/month, a single adult in Columbus typically needs take-home pay of at least $4,300/month to cover needs and save. The regional living wage for a single adult is about $18.75/hour.
Split after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, food, utilities, transport, minimum debt), 30% wants, and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. In a high-cost city like Columbus, the needs share often runs above 50%, so protect the 20% savings target.
Average rent in Columbus is about $1,250 for a 1-bedroom and $1,500 for a 2-bedroom. A common guideline keeps rent under 30% of gross income, though that is difficult in higher-cost metros.
Based on the local cost-of-living index, typical monthly expenses in Columbus run around $1,250 housing, $400 food, $500 transportation, and $160 utilities for a single person. The calculator is pre-filled with these estimates.
Aim for three to six months of essential expenses. In Columbus, with monthly needs around $2,630, that is roughly $7,890 to $15,780.